TOH Recognized as 2021 Inclusion Champion
Congrats! Whole Life Services Celebrates 20 Years of Service
Pictured at right: Diane Webster & Soraya Hejazi of Tails of Hope with Christine Hamilton & Rachel Hendrickson of Whole Life Services.
Hermitage, PA (February 17, 2022) - On February 17, 2022, the Whole Life Services family gathered with various members of the community to celebrate their 20th Anniversary at The Avalon at Buhl Park. Established in September of 2001, Whole Life Services has grown from serving one person with a disability, to serving more than 100 people.
Represented at the event by Co-founder and President, Diane Webster, and Executive Director, Soraya Hejazi, Tails of Hope was honored to be recognized as one of Whole Life Service's 2021 Inclusion Champions. Cindy Vogan, Whole Life Services' CEO, presented Tails of Hope with a 2021 Inclusion Champion Award.
“We are honoring them as ‘Inclusion Champions’ because they involve people with disabilities in their programs, have them participate as volunteers, or provide them with job opportunities,” said Cindy Vogan, CEO of Whole Life Services. “By engaging and employing people with disabilities, these businesses are building valuable relationships that benefit everyone in the community.”
Vogan said as a service provider, she wanted to recognize those in the community who show support to those with disabilities and was especially excited to honor this year's Inclusion Champions as a part of the celebration.
Other recipients of Whole Life’s Inclusion Champions Community Engagement awards included: Buhl Club, Buhl Park, Community Food Warehouse, Cornerhouse Christian Food Pantry, DK Studio, Fresh Grounds, Laurel Technical Institute, Prince of Peace, Robert Lark of Mercer County Historical Society, and Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Read more about this event on Whole Life Services website here.
'GIVE PETS THEIR BEST SHOT'
Tails of Hope partners with nonprofit Petco Love for a second time
This section represents a portion of the Sharon Herald Outlook piece published February 26, 2022.
Petco Love established March as “National Pet Vaccination Month” to encourage pet parents to keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date. Tails of Hope is partnering with national nonprofit Petco Love for a second time to give pets their best shot for a healthy life by distributing free pet distemper vaccines.
Hermitage, PA (February 26, 2022) – Tails of Hope is partnering with national nonprofit Petco Love for a second time to give pets their best shot for a healthy life by distributing free pet distemper vaccines. Petco Love established March as “National Pet Vaccination Month” to encourage pet parents to keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date. As puppy and kitten season approaches, pet exposure to contagious and deadly diseases – parvovirus, distemper, and panleukopenia – increases but is preventable with a simple vaccine.
Tails of Hope is offering these vaccines as part of spay/neuter appointments only while supplies last.
The Give Pets Their Best Shot initiative makes crucial pet vaccines accessible to pet parents who may be experiencing financial challenges and assures that cost is not a barrier to protecting pets from preventable diseases.
National Pet Vaccination Month is a continuation of Petco Love’s 1 million free pet vaccine campaign, which has helped 400,000 pets to date. Half of participating pet parents surveyed reported their pets had never been vaccinated against these diseases. With Bissell Pet Foundation as an additional partner this month, Petco Love’s goal is to increase awareness and accelerate the distribution of vaccines. Learn more about Petco Love’s national vaccine effort and lifesaving impact at petcolove.org or freepetvaccines.org.
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Find out what's happening with Tails of Hope in Spring 2022 inside Sharon Herald's special Outlook section, 'Tails of Hope is Expecting as Kitten Season Nears'
January IS OFFICIALLY “Jean & BooTSIE MONTH"
Press Release
Tails of Hope Officially Declares January “Jean & Bootsie Month”
To honor and celebrate The Harnett Foundation’s Jean Harnett & her beloved cat Bootsie,
Tails of Hope will celebrate annually throughout the month of January.
Hermitage, PA (January 13, 2022) - On January 25, 2022, what would have been Jean Harnett’s 90th birthday, Tails of Hope will officially declare January “Jean & Bootsie Month,” this year and annually moving forward.
Tails of Hope is honored to be a recipient of generous grants from The Harnett Foundation to continue the Tails of Hope mission as an active member of a lifesaving community offering low- to no-cost Spay/Neuter (S/N) Programs, Trap Neuter Return (TNR) Programs, Vaccine Programs, and supporting animal welfare organizations while bringing awareness to animals in need.
“Jean LOVED her birthday,” stated Evelyn Shealy, Administrative Assistant of The Harnett Foundation, in an email to Tails of Hope. Shealy continued, “The Foundation is reaching out to all organizations that have received a grant, asking for your help in celebrating Jean’s special day (or as Jean would have preferred, her special month).”
Jean Harnett, of Greenville, PA, passed away August 27, 2018 and left behind her beloved cat Bootsie whom she adored. Unfortunately, Bootsie’s health is failing, and the Foundation requested Bootsie be included in Jean’s birthday celebrations to honor him as well.
In addition to newspaper, TV news, and social media coverage, Tails of Hope has recognized and celebrated both Jean and Bootsie throughout their grant awards over the past two years from The Harnett Foundation.
· The financial assistance program at Tails of Hope was re-named the “Spay & Neuter Angel Program” (SNAP) with a new logo, honoring Jean as the angel funding services to save animal lives.
· The image was also applied to the Howl-n-Purr Grub Club, which was established through specific Harnett grants for pet food distribution to families in need.
· T-shirts, tote bags, and face masks at Tails of Hope are emblazoned with the images dedicated to Jean.
· A banner with the SNAP logo is proudly displayed outside of Tails of Hope for clients and visitors to see.
· A plaque in deepest appreciation of The Glenn & Jean Harnett Foundation predominately hangs at the front door of our lobby with Jean’s and her beloved Bootsie’s picture in their honor.
· SNAP recipients receive a recognition card informing them their services were provided in honor of Jean Harnett & Bootsie through generous grants from The Harnett Foundation.
· TNR Day program participants have received recognition cards and Harnett labeled tote bags with cat food for their colonies.
Tails of Hope is pleased to initiate the celebration of the newly named Jean & Bootsie Month with a ceremony and several special acts of appreciation.
· An Official Certificate will be presented from Tails of Hope to The Harnett Foundation declaring January “Jean & Bootsie Month.”
· In honor of Jean & Bootsie Month, January clients will receive a recognition card to acknowledge The Harnett Foundation’s generous donations and continued support of Tails of Hope’s lifesaving programs and inform them any day-of-service sPAY IT FORWARD donations will be recorded in honor of Jean & Bootsie. Also, fun Bootsie Coloring and Drawing worksheets are also available for children at the clinic and on our website.
· In honor of Jean’s Birthday & Bootsie, gifts will be presented on designated days in January to clients, including catnip toys and Bootise cat cookies, homemade by Tails of Hope co-founder and President Diane Webster.
· Profits from Tails of Hope t-shirts with the Harnett Logo in the month of January will be recorded in honor of Jean & Bootsie.
· General Donations in the month of January will be recorded in honor of Jean & Bootsie and their exemplification of giving to animal welfare programs.
“Through The Harnett Foundation, and thanks to Jean and Bootsie, Tails of Hope can expand its low- to no-cost programs to address the Root Cause of why many animals enter shelters or become homeless in the first place,” said Soraya Hejazi, Executive Director of Tails of Hope. “Helping even more animals is the best way to honor Jean’s legacy. We encourage other animal organizations to research The Harnett Foundation. The more organizations the Foundation can help, the more it will benefit animals in need.”
Online donations to Tails of Hope in honor of Jean Harnett and her beloved cat Bootsie can be made here. Click “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone” and type “Jean & Bootsie Harnett.” Check donations may be mailed to: Tails of Hope, 2450 Hoezle Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148, with the memo: Jean & Bootsie Month. Harnett T-shirts can be purchased at Tails of Hope.
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Tails of hope CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF SAVING LIVES
Press Release
Tails of Hope Celebrates Five Years of Saving Lives
Closing its 5th year, Tails of Hope has performed over 9,000 spay/neuter surgeries in Hermitage, PA so far.
Hermitage, PA (November 26, 2021) – Tails of Hope proudly announces its 5th anniversary year as the only non-profit Spay/Neuter Clinic in Mercer County, PA.
Tails of Hope, located at The Thomas M. O'Brien Animal Care Center, 2450 Hoezle Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148, is a project that began with a wish and a prayer to help the animal population in our community. In June of 2011, Thomas O'Brien passed away and his wife, Diane, and one of his brothers, Paul O’Brien, joined together to fulfill this desire. Tom loved animals and was always willing to help them in any way. Due to his affection for his pet dogs, Paul and Diane thought it would be very appropriate to build an animal care center that would be able to eliminate neglect of the many animals in our community and to help control and prevent the pet overpopulation. The Animal Care Center project was completed in 2014 and soon after, the direction of the project became apparent. The idea for a non-profit Spay/Neuter clinic was established. On January 30, 2017, Tails of Hope opened to provide low- to no-cost services to animals in western PA and eastern OH.
Since its inception in 2017, the non-profit has been serving as an active member of a lifesaving community offering low- to no-cost Spay/Neuter Programs, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Programs, Vaccine Programs, and supporting animal welfare organizations while bringing awareness to animals in need. Now in its fifth year as the only non-profit Spay/Neuter Clinic in Mercer County, PA, Tails of Hope’s unwavering commitment to the Root Cause of pet overpopulation is stronger than ever.
“We are proud and grateful for all we have been able to do together over the past five years for our community and the animals,” says Diane Webster, Tails of Hope Co-Founder and President. “Our local community has been a vital part of our mission. Almost 4,000 volunteer hours have been donated so far in 2021. We give thanks local grantors, such as The Harnett Foundation, and to our individual donors, volunteers, board members, staff, and the incredible support shown to the animals of Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and beyond.”
According to the North Shore Animal League, Spay/Neuter diverts entry into shelters and/or pet homelessness by exponential numbers:
· By spaying and neutering just one male and one female cat, more than 2,000 unwanted births can be prevented in just four years-and more than 2 million in eight years!
· By spaying and neutering just one male and one female dog, more than 67,000 unwanted births can be prevented in just six years!
“Milestones and statistics measure the work we do and the need to do more. However, we are always mindful that behind these numbers are cats, dogs, their offspring, and their human guardians and families,” says Soraya Hejazi, Executive Director. “Only by working together as a community can we reduce the number of animals entering or re-entering shelters or homelessness and boost the number of healthy animals leaving shelters and finding forever homes.”
By addressing the Root Cause of pet overpopulation rather than treating the symptoms, Tails of Hope’s services and programs provide the maximum impact at the least possible cost to the public, and results in lowering animal intakes into shelters and reducing the spread of disease and suffering of animals in our community. Spay/Neuter clinics provide other lifelong and lifesaving benefits as well, such as identifying serious or life-threatening health issues, providing lifesaving vaccinations, and helping to reduce unwanted pet behaviors that may lead to displacement.
But without funding from local municipalities or state programs, Tails of Hope needs ongoing support from donors and talented volunteers in the area to achieve their mission for our community. Board member positions are currently available. Volunteer opportunities are always available. And Tails of Hope’s annual Holiday Fund Drive is currently underway through the end of December and needs community support. A gift today-no matter the size, will help further their mission to serve as an active member of a lifesaving community offering low- to no-cost Spay/Neuter Programs, TNR Programs, Vaccine Programs, and supporting animal welfare organizations while bringing awareness to animals in need. To donate to Tails of Hope’s 2021 Holiday Fund Drive, visit: https://donate.tailsofhopewpa.org/Give2021
Even with all of its benefits, Spay/Neuter is not a replacement for regular veterinary care. Tails of Hope strongly encourages all pet guardians to establish a relationship with a local full-service veterinary clinic for annual wellness visits, vaccines, and other pet health needs.
To learn more about Tails of Hope, visit https://tailsofhopewpa.org.
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Become a Lifesaver for Animals
A gift today-no matter the size, will help further Tails of Hope's mission to serve as an active member of a lifesaving community offering low- to no-cost Spay/Neuter Programs, TNR Programs, Vaccine Programs, and supporting animal welfare organizations while bringing awareness to animals in need.
PETCO LOVE & TAILS OF HOPE PROVIDE FREE PET VACCINATIONS
Press Release
Petco Love and Tails of Hope Aim to Stop the Spread of Deadly Preventable Diseases Through Free Pet Vaccinations
As Part of Petco Love’s Initiative to Provide 1 Million Free Pet Vaccines, Tails of Hope Will Distribute Free Pet Vaccines for appointments Through November
Hermitage, PA (October 8, 2021) – Tails of Hope will provide free vaccinations for Western PA and Eastern OH area pets. The free vaccines are made possible through Petco Love's new national vaccination initiative, which is providing 1 million free pet vaccines to its existing animal welfare partners, including Tails of Hope, for family pets in need.
Parvovirus and distemper in dogs, and panleukopenia in cats, are some of the most prevalent deadly diseases impacting pets that are preventable with a simple vaccine. An estimated 30% of pet parents do not take their pet to a veterinarian annually for preventative care. To address this critical need, Tails of Hope and Petco Love are partnering to make pet vaccines free and accessible in an effort to ensure the health and wellness of our beloved pets.
Tails of Hope aims to vaccinate 300 pets through this effort. The organization will offer these free vaccines as part of its spay/neuter package through November 30, 2021. Vaccines distributed through the Petco Love initiative will be the DAPPv Canine and HCP Feline vaccines. Tails of Hope offers core vaccines and microchips for cats and dogs at the time of spay/neuter appointment. All services are by appointment only and for a limited time.
“Thanks to Petco Love, we can offer these important vaccines at no cost to pet owners,” said Soraya Hejazi, Executive Director of Tails of Hope. “We also strongly urge community members to establish a relationship with a full-service clinic in the area for annual visits and vaccines to ensure the health and wellness of our community’s pets and four-legged family members.”
“It is heartbreaking when any pet suffers or dies from a disease that could have been prevented. It is further exacerbated when unvaccinated pets come into busy shelter kennels, where these deadly diseases can spread quickly, resulting in multiple deaths, skyrocketing expenses, and hindering saving pet lives,” said Susanne Kogut, Petco Love President. “By creating greater awareness and making this crucial preventative care more accessible to pets not currently receiving these lifesaving vaccines, we can prevent the dangerous spread of disease.”
For more information about vaccine distribution, contact Tails of Hope at 724-346-4673. To learn more about Tails of Hope, visit https://tailsofhopewpa.org. To learn more about Petco Love’s lifesaving impact, visit PetcoLove.org.
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LCCTC PRE-VET FIELD STUDENTS @ TAILS OF HOPE
4th DRIVE-THRU CAT & DOG FOOD DISTRIBUTION 03/27/2021
Tails of Hope, Inc. (TOH) is hosting its fourth drive-thru cat and dog food distribution event generously funded by The Glenn & Jean Harnett Private Charitable Foundation. Supplemental funding for this event provided by the Thompson family in memory of William G. Thompson & Precious.
On Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 10 am to 12 noon, the pet food distribution at 2450 Hoezle Road in Hermitage, PA.
One bag cat or dog food per car.
One egg w/cat treats and/or dog treat goodie bag per car.
Limited supply of cat litter.
While Supplies Last.
To ensure adherence to social distancing rules and for the safety and protection of both participants and Tails of Hope volunteers, the event is drive-thru only. Pet food and litter will be loaded into trunks by volunteers wearing face masks. People picking up food are asked to stay in cars and wear masks.
3rd drive-thru cat & dog food distribution 01/16/2021
TAILS OF HOPE, INC. NEWS RELEASE
TAILS OF HOPE, INC. EXTENDS THE SEASON OF GIVING BY HOSTING DRIVE-THRU PET FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENT WITH A FUN SURPRISE FOR PETS
For Immediate Release: 01/05/2021
Hermitage, PA– Tails of Hope, Inc. (TOH) is hosting its third drive-thru cat and dog food distribution event generously funded by The Glenn & Jean Harnett Private Charitable Foundation.
On Saturday, January 16, 2020 from 10 am to 12 noon, the pet food distribution at 2450 Hoezle Road in Hermitage, PA will be first come, first serve.
“We believe joy and the spirit of giving are not limited to the holiday season,” said Soraya Hejazi, Executive Director. “To start 2021 off on the right paw, one cat or dog toy will be provided to each car with pet food distribution at the event, while supplies last. We hope to inspire generosity and cultivate ongoing joy in our community.”
In addition to the cat or dog food, cat litter will be available for the first time at the event due to requests from attendees of previous Tails of Hope Grub Club pet food distribution events. Cat litter will also be available one per car, while supplies last.
To ensure adherence to social distancing rules and for the safety and protection of both participants and Tails of Hope volunteers, the event is drive-thru only. Pet food and litter will be loaded into trunks by volunteers wearing face masks. People picking up food are asked to stay in cars and wear masks.
More details on Tails of Hope, Inc.’s pet food distribution Grub Club event and their Spay & Neuter Angel Program (SNAP) for financial assistance funded by the Harnett Foundation can be found on Tails of Hope, Inc.’s Facebook page and their website.
About Tails of Hope, Inc.
Tails of Hope, Inc. (TOH), at The Thomas M. O’Brien Animal Care Center, opened in 2017 as a not for profit, 501 (c) (3) born from a love of animals and service to our community. TOH believes the world will be a better place when it values and ensures the well-being of companion animals, treating them with kindness and compassion. TOH exists to eliminate neglect, abuse and suffering of animals resulting in improved overall quality of animal life and strives to impact pet over-population through spay/neuter programs and supporting rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and education.
About The Glenn & Jean Harnett Private Charitable Foundation
The Glenn and Jean Harnett Private Charitable Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) created from the assets of a trust fund built by Glenn and Jean Harnett formerly of Mercer County Pennsylvania. The foundation makes gifts in their memory to assist animal welfare projects and the churches beloved by both Glenn and Jean in both Mercer County Pennsylvania and Trumbull County Ohio.
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Inquiries:
Media:
Diane O’Brien Webster
724-346-4673 (HOPE)
Consumer:
Soraya Hejazi
724-346-4673 (HOPE)
dk29obrien@gmail.com tailsofhopepa@yahoo.com
Follow TOH:
Website: https://tailsofhopewpa.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailsofhopepa/
GENEROUS DONOR MAKES GIFT TO TAILS OF HOPE
Generous volunteer donates funds for surgical equipment as part of annual fund raising appeal
For Immediate Release: 12/11/20
Hermitage, PA – A generous volunteer has donated funds for an important piece of surgical equipment as part of Tails of Hope’s annual fundraising appeal.
Tails of Hope, a non-profit which provides spay/neuter services for cat and dogs, needed to replace one of their autoclave machines.
“A veterinary autoclave is quite possibly the most important piece of veterinary equipment in a clinic,” said Tails of Hope veterinarian Dr. Nicole Grable. “ The autoclave quickly steam sterilizes surgical instruments and tools by gravity-displacement so they can be used again.”
Before the additional new autoclave arrived last week, sterilizing instruments was time-consuming and the organization was incurring increased costs with the added hours. Each autoclave has a maximum capacity and each cycle lasts approximately one hour.
The donor wishes to remain anonymous but asked that the donation be made in honor and memory of her beloved cat, Bobo. The generous donor simply said, “Thank you for all the wonderful work you do.”
Tails of Hope’s 2020 Fund Drive is currently underway to help close the gap created by COVID-19 and the absence of fundraising events which typically generate revenue for the year. Donations are being accepted by mail or through their website.
About Tails of Hope, Inc.
Tails of Hope, Inc. (TOH), at The Thomas M. O’Brien Animal Care Center, opened in 2017 as a not for profit, 501 (c) (3) born from a love of animals and service to our community. TOH believes the world will be a better place when it values and ensures the well-being of companion animals, treating them with kindness and compassion. TOH exists to eliminate neglect, abuse and suffering of animals resulting in improved overall quality of animal life and strives to impact pet over-population through spay/neuter programs and supporting rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and education.
Inquiries:
Media: Diane O’Brien Webster dk29obrien@gmail.com
Consumer: Soraya Hejazi tailsofhopepa@yahoo.com
724-346-4673 (HOPE) 724-346-4673 (HOPE)
Follow TOH:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailsofhopepa/
TAILS OF HOPE, INC. NEWS RELEASE
TAILS OF HOPE, INC. PROVIDES FREE STERILIZATION SERVICES AND VACCINATIONS FOR FERAL COMMUNITY CATS
For Immediate Release: 11/10/20
Hermitage, PA– On November 9, 2020, Tails of Hope held a free TNR spay/neuter day for community cats in our community at the Thomas M. O’Brien Animal Care Center in Hermitage. The event was held in honor of Dr. Jennifer L. Turner.
“Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR for short, is the humane approach to controlling feral cat overpopulation. It’s a community-based program that involves concerned citizens trapping free-roaming cats in your neighborhood, bringing them to a clinic like Tails of Hope to get them spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then returning the cats to the exact location where they were trapped so they can live out the rest of their natural lives, ideally with a caregiver also providing food, water and shelter for them,” explained Soraya Hejazi, Executive Director of Tails of Hope. “While under anesthesia, the cats also receive an ear-tip—a painless procedure in which the tip of the left ear is removed—a universal sign they have been part of a TNR program.”
There exists in Mercer County a large population of homeless stray and feral cats. Given their strong survival capabilities and prolific breeding, if nothing is done, this population will simply continue to grow. If the population is left unchecked, it will only lead to more and more cats living in unmanaged colonies, a decrease in public tolerance of homeless cats, and increased pressure on the environment, animal control agencies and our society as a whole.
TNR is a community-based program and its success depends on many. A mixture of ten dedicated non-profit groups and individual citizens successfully trapped and transported a total of 71 cats from Greenville, New Castle, Grove City, Sharpsville, Mercer, and Masury to Tails of Hope at the Thomas M. O’Brien Animal Care Center in Hermitage for spay/neuter and vaccination services on November 9, 2020. These services were completed by a 15-person team consisting of Tails of Hope employees, volunteers, and veterinary clinic staff. The impact of this event can be calculated with a lot of multiplication: cat colonies can quickly quadruple in size in a very short period of time, as cats can have two to three litters per year of five to six kittens each, and then those kittens can become pregnant at about six months of age…and so the cycle continues.
“We are indebted to The John and Judy Turner Family and The Glenn & Jean Harnett Private Charitable Foundation for sponsoring this TNR event. We are extremely grateful for the concerned citizens who trap, transport, and return the cats; the caretakers who provide food, shelter, and oversight for the cats; and to our caring and generous volunteers. We could not complete our mission without all of them,” said Soraya Hejazi.
Tails of Hope is seeking to build partnerships with individuals and groups in the community to increase Trap-Neuter-Return efforts that will decrease the number of homeless cats in our community and reduce needless pain and suffering and save cats’ lives at the least cost to the public.
About Tails of Hope, Inc.
Tails of Hope, Inc. (TOH), at The Thomas M. O’Brien Animal Care Center, opened in 2017 as a not for profit, 501 (c) (3) born from a love of animals and service to our community. TOH believes the world will be a better place when it values and ensures the well-being of companion animals, treating them with kindness and compassion. TOH exists to eliminate neglect, abuse and suffering of animals resulting in improved overall quality of animal life and strives to impact pet over-population through spay/neuter programs and supporting rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and education.
About The Glenn & Jean Harnett Private Charitable Foundation
The Glenn and Jean Harnett Private Charitable Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) created from the assets of a trust fund built by Glenn and Jean Harnett formerly of Mercer County Pennsylvania. The foundation makes gifts in their memory to assist animal welfare projects and the churches beloved by both Glenn and Jean in both Mercer County Pennsylvania and Trumbull County Ohio.
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Inquiries:
Media:
Diane O’Brien Webster
724-346-4673 (HOPE)
Consumer:
724-346-4673 (HOPE)
Follow TOH:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailsofhopepa/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toh-wpa/
Event Sponsor and Volunteer Michelle Turner-Mueller transports two anesthetized cats into surgery.
NEWS RELEASE: 07/27/2020
DYNAMIC DUO RESUMES TAILS OF HOPE’s OPERATIONS (literally!)
TAILS OF HOPE, INC. NEWS RELEASE
DYNAMIC DUO RESUMES TAILS OF HOPE’s OPERATIONS
(literally!)
For Immediate Release: 07/27/2020
Hermitage, PA– Tails of Hope, Inc. is thrilled to announce a new collaborative partnership with Dr. Nicole Grable, DVM, owner of the mobile veterinary clinic Pet Set Go, which allowed it to re-open doors and to resume operations at the only low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Mercer County.
On June 25, 2020 Soraya Hejazi, Executive Director at Tails of Hope, sent out a proposal to veterinary clinics, veterinarians, and vet techs for a collaborative initiative in our area that would allow the organizations and professionals in our area to work together to provide maximum impact for the people and animals in our community.
Dr. Nicole Grable was the first to put action to her words.
“I contemplated several times about reaching out to Tails of Hope as a relief surgeon, to help out for high-volume special events,” explained Dr. Nicole Grable. “When I realized Tails of Hope had been completely shut down during COVID-19 quarantine, and then again due to need for a veterinarian, I knew it was time to step up to the plate.”
Dr. Grable strongly believes Tails of Hope’s ability to provide discounted rates for spay/neuter surgeries and required vaccines fills an enormous need in our community. “Pet overpopulation will continue to be a problem until people in my profession physically start to provide services and education in an affordable manner,” Dr. Grable said. “This is exactly what Tails of Hope is doing-getting the work done. I was compelled to join their collaborative initiative.”
“Tails of Hope is not direct competition for our local veterinary practices."
Dr. Grable has been asked if, as a clinic owner herself, she was worried about losing business to the spay/neuter clinic. “The answer is unequivocally “No,” Dr. Grable said. “Tails of Hope is not direct competition for our local veterinary practices. They don’t provide an on-going Veterinary-Client-Patient relationship or life time medical services. Many of the animals provided for at spay/neuter clinics are those that wouldn’t normally receive much veterinary care, whether because they are strays or have lower-income owners. Non-profits like Tails of Hope allow rescue organizations and owners to provide a level of care that might normally be too expensive. If an owner can bring their pet to Tails of Hope, then at least we know that pet has received Rabies vaccination and has been spayed or neutered. Maybe that owner will have more resources available then if the animal becomes sick and needs to be treated at a general practice. Working with Tails also allows me to promote Pet Set Go and the services we offer for on-going veterinary care. Clients can see my mobile veterinary unit in the parking lot, and are given a Pet Set Go business card and information sheet when they leave. It gives them an immediate option should they need something. Collaborating with Tails of Hope is a win for their organization, my practice, the animals, and our community.”
"They are truly leading by example…to increase the collaborative effort across our community"
Dr. Grable cannot accomplish the surgeries alone through, so she brought Certified Veterinary Technician Bonnie Kerleck with her to work with the Tails of Hope team and resume their services to the community. “Bonnie and I have worked together in the past. She is very knowledgeable, experienced, and has the energy of ten people,” said Dr. Grable. “Together with Tails of Hope’s Executive Director, Soraya Hejazi, and Tails of Hope’s Office Manager, Mark Sabino, we've started a great team with matched enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond to do the work and create a safe, efficient way to provide for the needs of the animals. And,” Dr. Grable added, “despite the super-fast pace in a high-volume setting, we have a lot of fun together while we work.”
“Dr. Nicole Grable and Bonnie Kerleck are a dynamic duo,” declared Tails of Hope Executive Director, Soraya Hejazi. “We are proud to welcome them to Tails of Hope. They are truly leading by example and we couldn’t be more grateful for their enthusiasm, positivity, forward-thinking and compassion for animals.” Tails of Hope is actively engaging with other clinics and professionals to increase the collaborative effort across our community and hopes to announce further additions in the future that allow their valuable services to be provided additional days per week, plus special high-volume day events. As a non-profit, just as every donation dollar counts, every day with collaboration or volunteers counts.
Pictured above: Dr. Nicole Grable, DVM and Bonnie Kerleck, CVT
Mondays and Fridays
Dr. Nicole Grable’s schedule was effective July 24, 2020 and includes surgeries at Tails of Hope on Mondays and Fridays. Dr. Grable will also be volunteering for Tails of Hope at their first cat/dog food distribution event on Saturday, August 1, funded by The Glenn and Jean Harnett Private Charitable Foundation.
About Tails of Hope, Inc.
Tails of Hope, Inc. (TOH), at The Thomas M. O’Brien Animal Care Center, opened in 2017 as a not for profit, 501 (c) (3) born from a love of animals and service to our community. TOH believes the world will be a better place when it values and ensures the well-being of companion animals, treating them with kindness and compassion. TOH exists to eliminate neglect, abuse and suffering of animals resulting in improved overall quality of animal life and strives to impact pet over-population through spay/neuter programs and supporting rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and education.
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Inquiries:
Media:
Diane O’Brien Webster
Consumer:
(724) 346-4673 (HOPE)
Follow TOH:
Website: https://tailsofhopewpa.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailsofhopepa/
TAILS OF HOPE, INC. NEWS RELEASE 06/25/2020
ANNOUNCING NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PET FOOD DISTRIBUTION, EXPANDED DISCOUNTS & COLLABORATION PROGRAM
For Immediate Release: 06/25/2020
Hermitage, PA– Tails of Hope, Inc. (TOH) is excited to announce it has selected Soraya Hejazi to serve as the Executive Director for Mercer County, Pennsylvania’s only low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Her appointment was effective June 1, 2020.
Soraya Hejazi brings more than ten years of business consulting & development, human resources consulting & management, training & development, and marketing experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors to Tails of Hope in the Executive Director position. In addition, she has a lifetime of experience serving community cats, volunteering at cat sanctuaries, and almost ten years of service at a wildly successful high-volume spay/neuter clinic in Los Angeles.
“Soraya brings a superb level of professionalism to the role of Executive Director at Tails of Hope with her management, human resources and marketing skills. Her passion as a true animal advocate surpasses her already high level of commitment to the mission and culture of the organization. The Board of Directors are proud to welcome Soraya and are anxious to support her as she heightens the awareness of the importance of Spay/Neuter in our communities,” said Tails of Hope President Diane O’Brien Webster. “We look to the future with great anticipation for what lies ahead and the success the future holds under her guidance.”
While the doors of Tails of Hope were mandated closed during COVID-19 from March 19-May 18, 2020, Soraya Hejazi played an instrumental role in writing a grant proposal to The Glenn & Jean Harnett Private Charitable Foundation. The grant was awarded to TOH on May 15, 2020. With this grant, in addition to its everyday low cost services, TOH is introducing The Harnett Spay & Neuter Angel Program (SNAP) and Growl & Purr Grub Club.
SNAP will ensure the essential veterinary care services of Spay or Neuter and Rabies Vaccination are made reasonably available to the household and community (homeless) pets of people in our area according on a sliding scale fee based on household size and income. Qualified TOH clients may receive a discount on top of the everyday low fees of 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of the costs. A military discount has also been added to this program.
The Growl & Purr Grub Club events will provide $5,000 of cat and dog food distribution to our community. The first disbursement of food is scheduled for August 1, 2020. Details will be announced soon on Tails of Hope, Inc.’s Facebook page.
However, the excitement and opportunities new programs and funding offers for Tails of Hope and the community faces a challenge: a nationwide shortage of veterinarians. According to noted veterinary economist James Lloyd, DVM, PhD’s 2019 research, there were about 1,400 open positions with no one to fill them, or about 1.7 positions per candidate. Our community is not exempt from this challenge. To counter this, a Collaborative Program is being introduced by Soraya Hejazi and Tails of Hope to all veterinary service providers in our area. By implementing a shared rotation of veterinarians between for-profit and non-profit clinics, the city shelters, rescues, and individual pet guardians can efficiently and cost-effectively receive the essential services of spay/neuter and Rabies vaccines to ensure the well-being of companion animals in our community. This program also has the potential to expand and increase the availability of emergency services to companion animals in our area. The Program was recently reviewed by Hermitage City Manager Gary Hinkson, who shared his support with this statement, "It is only together, as a community, that we will be able to find solutions, overcome challenges, and find continued success. I believe collaborative initiatives between businesses and employers like this one for the veterinary industry will serve to enhance services for people and animals in our community and to further economic development in our area for everyone by attracting and retaining high-quality professionals." The list of benefits from this program is long, and includes benefits to the for-profit businesses, the city shelters, private rescue groups, and the community at large.
Tails of Hope is currently closed due to the veterinarian shortage. Tails of Hope does not receive government funding. It does not have endowments. It heavily relies on public donations. The veterinarian shortage is further compounded by the effects of COVID-19 which include cancellation of fundraising events and the revenue they bring for the year, and a donation downturn from private individuals as the world copes with the uncertainty of the pandemic. Tails of Hope asks for the community to consider a gift at this time to restart their operations, retain and acquire high-quality staff, and continue vital services for our city shelters, local rescue groups, and individuals in our community who depend on their low-cost programs.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead an organization whose mission is my passion,” said Soraya Hejazi. “In 2019, Tails of Hope, Inc. served 2,989 cats and dogs in our area. With support from grants, such as the Harnett Foundation, continued partnership with our local shelters and rescues, contributions from volunteers on our Board of Directors and community volunteers in the clinic, donations from the public, and the anticipated collaboration with veterinary groups in the community, we will together continue to make an impact in reducing the needless suffering of animals and unnecessary pet euthanasia while ensuring people and families of all backgrounds share in the joy of responsible pet guardianship.”
About Tails of Hope, Inc.
Tails of Hope, Inc. (TOH), at The Thomas M. O’Brien Animal Care Center, opened in 2017 as a not for profit, 501 (c) (3) born from a love of animals and service to our community. TOH believes the world will be a better place when it values and ensures the well-being of companion animals, treating them with kindness and compassion. TOH exists to eliminate neglect, abuse and suffering of animals resulting in improved overall quality of animal life and strives to impact pet over-population through spay/neuter programs and supporting rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and education.
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Inquiries:
Media:
Consumer:
(724) 346-4673 (HOPE)
Follow TOH:
Website: https://tailsofhopewpa.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailsofhopepa/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toh-wpa
Past News & Events
2019 Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce - Phoenix Award
Winner for Large Non-Profit/Service Organization
We are very proud to announce that Tails of Hope was chosen for one of the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce Phoenix Awards for 2019. Winning this award validates the hard work that goes into making Tails of Hope the organization we are all so proud of.
The Sharon Herald: https://www.sharonherald.com/news/local-businesses-fly-high-at-phoenix-awards/article_802da818-7914-11e9-8770-47fd698f553c.html
The Business Journal Daily: https://businessjournaldaily.com/shenango-chamber-presents-15th-annual-phoenix-awards/
WFMJ TV: http://www.wfmj.com/story/40490491/shenango-valley-chamber-of-commercehonors-local-businesses
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