2012 Annual Report

PAWS' board, staff and volunteers share accomplishments of 2012 below. We continually strive to fulfill PAWS' mission of adoption, spay/neuter, education and responsible pet ownership.

Shelter updates:

• In spite of stricter intake requirements due to financial challenges, PAWS adopted out more than 200 animals to the community.
• Found permanent sanctuary for long-time PAWS' resident "Bearhug" at Willow Run Sanctuary for Animals, Inc. in Coolspring, PA.
• Mobile Ambassador visits in 2012 included Tractor Supply in Springboro, Ohio; Petco in Franklin and West Chester; Jack's Pets in Middletown; My Furry Valentine at Flexi USA in West Chester; Christmas in Springboro, Ohio.
• Conducted annual evaluations of every PAWS employee to help improve communication and understanding of PAWS procedures and policies.

2012 Board of Directors expands to include 10 local professionals:

Sue Hutson, AK Steel - President

Mark Bolen, Cintas - Vice President

Gail Corrill, Liberty Mutual - Treasurer

Laurie Wood, Middletown City Schools - Secretary

Marty Davis, West Chester/Liberty Township Community Foundation - Member

Josh Holter, Menards - Member

Brandon Hance - AK Steel, Member 

New: Chris Miller, Impact Direct Marketing - Member

New: Scott Myers, Perfection Printing - Member

Ginger Shawver - Executive Director

Financial updates:

• Awarded $10,000 grant from ASPCA for new PAWS' transport van.
• Awarded $5,000 grant from West Chester/Liberty Community Foundation for new PAWS' transport van.
• Awarded $8,000 from Middletown Community Foundation for new PAWS' transport van.
• New van purchased on 12/06/12 from Middletown Ford.
• 2012 and 2013 Budgets completed.
• Created a PAWS Fundraising Committee to evaluate and execute the best fundraising projects for PAWS.
• Netted over $18,000 from "Fur the Love of PAWS" Auction held Nov. 3 at Shaker Run Golf Club.
• Netted over $4,000 from PAWS' Golf Outing held at Wildwood Golf Club.  

Marketing updates:

• PAWS created a hard-copy newsletter in addition to online PAWS' newsletter. First two-page issue sent to over 3,000 PAWS' supporters in Spring 2012; second two-page issue sent to over 3,000 PAWS supporters in Summer 2012; third four-page (Christmas mailing) issue sent to over 4,000 PAWS' supporters in Fall 2012.
• United Pet Fund chose PAWS as one of three featured shelters in its new video. You may view the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxI648D2LLU
• PAWS participated in Martin Luther King Day in Lebanon, Ohio in January; Smiles-4-Pets event at Dr. Jungdahl's and Dr. MacLean's dental offices in Middletown in May; Dogpatch Pix in Pendleton Art Center and Buster's Bar in May; annual wine tasting fundraiser at Hanover Winery in Hamilton, Ohio, in June; three Middletown Broad Street Bash events throughout the summer; a Garage Sale in conjunction with Middletown Dog Training in July; Pierson Automotive's annual Cruise-In in July; Middletown's National Night Out and the Styx concert in August; Little Sprouts in Mason and Woofstock in September; Angel Dog Walk in Centerville, Ohio, in October; Middletown's downtown Santa Parade and Christmas in Springboro in November.
• Executive Director Ginger Shawver interviewed in "Ideas & Voices" section of The Middletown Journal on Sept. 4.
• Executive Director Ginger Shawver participated in 30-minute television interview on TV Middletown's "Foundation Matters" on Oct. 29. The show repeated for two weeks and can be viewed online here:http://blip.tv/tv-middletown/foundation-matters-ginger-shawver-6406002  

New PAWS' building plans continue:

• Board of Directors bid on land for new PAWS' building. Results yet to be determined.

Education updates:

• Engaged area Girl Scout troops, Boy Scout troops and American Heritage Girls in various shelter improvement projects and PAWS' fundraisers.
• Visited Primrose School in West Chester; Reading High School in Cincinnati; Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati; and Middletown's Anthony Wayne Elementary School in Franklin, Ohio, to promote PAWS' mission.

Partnership updates:

• Maintained relationship with UCAN Spay/Neuter Clinic in Cincinnati to promote low cost spay/neuter to the community. UCAN visits the PAWS' shelter every first Wednesday of every month.
• Maintained partnership with Miami University's SAFARI Club, a group of student activists who helped PAWS by working at PAWS' events, and participated in their "Open House" in November.
• Executive Director Ginger Shawver served on Butler Tech's Natural Science Center Advisory Committee.
• Participated in Abilities First fundraiser at Miami Middletown in January.
• Partnered with Petco stores in Franklin and West Chester, who helped PAWS adopt out cats as well as garner donations for the shelter.
• Partnered with Kroger's Community Rewards program.
• Partnered with GFS (Gordon Food Service) Marketplace.