We are an all volunteer organization. We depend solely on donations, bequests, and grants for funding. We do not have a shelter or other facility for housing animals.
As caring individuals we cannot stand by and see an animal suffer. In addition, pets are good companions for the elderly/disabled so we strive to ensure individuals/families can retain their companions.
CCHS was founded in February 1968 by Dr. Phillip Comer, a Veterinarian; and Mrs. Ann McMahon, a retired teacher.
Purpose:
· **Provide financial assistance for low cost spay/neuter for pets of elderly, low income, and disabled people in Cochise County.
**Low income pet food assistance.
· **Provide emergency Veterinary care
· **Provide education to county residents in humane treatment of animals
**Cooperate with other animal local and national welfare organizations
Officers & Board Members 2009-2010
Glenn Baxter President
Vacant Vice President
Gary Hammond Treasurer
Ingrid Hunter Secretary
Greta Heinauer Board Member, Coordinator Emergency Services
Cindy James Board Member, Free Roaming Cat Coordinator
Yvonne Mayer Board Member, ARK Clinic Coordinator, Membership Chairman
Jan Oreszak Board Member, backup services
Robin Redding Board Member, Publicity
Amanda Root Board Member, Escrip Coordinator
Jan Van Wormer Board Member, GSVKC Liaison, Web Master
Committee's
Jere Fredenburgh S/N Coordinator
Steff Hunter Events Coordinator
Robin Redding Publicity
Marty Mayer Grant Writer
Mary Baxter Back up emergency services
Clinic Volunteers
Dorothy Lyons
Vickie Strom
Lelle Procki
Jean Steidl
Tiffany Chavez
Annual Report 2008-2009 We have had a very successful year! Under the leadership of Glen Baxter, our president, CCHS has attracted a number of excellent sponsors, increased the number of active volunteers, been able to publicize our various services more effectively in the local media and increase our effectiveness in Cochise County.
Ninety-five percent of every dollar raised goes to the animals; all the money raised stays in Cochise County!
A couple of special thank you’s in the Community – Greater Sierra Vista Kennel Club continued it’s support of CCHS by donating funds for canine spay/neuter; Castro Electric for their donations and support of CCHS programs; CCHS received a donation from the S.A.F.E. group in Sunsites Arizona when they relinquished their charity status; the various mobile home parks that have participated in the Free Roaming Cat Spay/Neuter Program; Ramsey Canyon Feed for their continuing pet food donations.
Companion Spay/Neuter Program assisted, either with funding or referral services approximately 2,200 pet owners/pets in Cochise County. This was TRIPLE the number of clients we were able to assist in 2007-2008.
The ARK clinics are “staffed” by CCHS volunteers under the direction of Yvonne Mayer. By providing intake and release staff at the clinics, ARK is able to focus on surgeries. We sponsor clinics in Whetstone, Sierra Vista, Elfrida, Willcox and Tombstone. A special thank you to Whetstone Feed & Grain; the County Sheriff’s Office; the Fire Station in Elfrida and the Tombstone Small Animal Shelter in conjunction with the old High School for providing locations for the clinics!
CCHS expanded their partnerships to include the San Pedro Valley Humane Society in Benson and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. HSSA is located in Tucson and has assisted in the feral cat program, and is also serving the population of animals and clients in Douglas once a month with a low cost spay/neuter clinic.
The County Animal Control Officers report a positive effect of CCHS efforts and those of ARK to reduce the population of puppies and kittens county wide through low cost spay/neuter programs.
Free Roaming Cat Program, which began in July 2008, grew substantially in 2008-2009. Under the direction of Cindy James, approximately 234 feral/free roaming cats have been spayed/neuter, received a rabies vaccination and an overall health check.
Emergency Veterinary services continued with assistance to approximately 200 clients with animals needing emergency veterinary treatment. In addition to veterinary services, our volunteer, Greta Heinauer was able to place a number of animals in good “forever homes” and provide emergency dog and cat food to owner’s experiencing a one-time emergency pet food need. We estimate that we provided emergency pet food approximately twice a month and boarded approximately 20 animals in emergency situations.