It’s always interesting to look back over the past year and try to measure your successes. We can tell you touching stories about some of the individual animals that were helped or share the thank you's of some of the grateful people we assisted, but sometimes the numbers can tell the story even better than words.  Here are some interesting statistics from calendar year 2011. Remember that our shelter only handles animals from Rohnert Park and Cotati.

Our downward trend on overall animals taken in continues — last year 1,339 came through our door. That’s down from a high of 2,179 back in 1998. I think at least part of this success is due to our very progressive and generous spay/neuter program. Rohnert Park is one of very few cities that I’m aware of that offers free altering for cats. We’ve been offering low-cost and free surgeries for several years now and the results are telling — especially if you do the math of how many offspring one fertile female can produce in her lifetime.  

We are proud to say that in 2011 we assisted our residents with spaying and neutering 163 cats and 131 dogs. This program continues with free cat surgeries and dogs altered for only $60. To make an appointment call 707-588-3531.

Of our total animals, 860 of were strays or lost pets. The number of cats that came in was 415, 401 were dogs and the rest were a mix of all other animals (everything you can think of from rabbits to a python). 

Pretty much even for dogs and cats, what’s interesting to note is the difference in the numbers reclaimed by their worried parents; while 60 percent, or 241 dogs were reclaimed, only 35 cats (8 percent) were ever reunited with their families. 

Although that is four times the national average, it is nothing to brag about and personally I find it pathetic. If you wonder why I harp on the subject of tagging your pets and the benefits of microchips (not to mention the fool-proof method of  keeping your cat indoors to ensure he never becomes lost) it is because of this statistic. It saddened me that even as generous an offer as free microchips (which the Animal Shelter League offered in December) only brought out 24 takers. Still each one represents one more pet with a “ticket” back home.

Most of the kittens that come in are young litters found without their moms.  Faced with the daunting task of hand-rearing young kittens we rely on a large group of foster families that open their hearts and homes to these youngsters.  Last year 230 animals went out to foster — the vast majority being felines, but also a couple of mom-dogs with pups and some small critters that needed some socializing and trust-building with humans in order to go up for adoption. 

This program is what enables us to save as many animals as possible by offering them the gift of time and freeing up space in the shelter while they get the socializing and attention they so desperately need. Kitten season (yes, there is a season for kittens!) is almost here again. Please stop in for a foster application if you think this might be something that would interest you.

All this effort, plus the work of our veterinarian and staff in caring for those animals with treatable illnesses and injuries, is what we’re all about. We celebrated each time one of the 429 cats, 198 dogs, or 76 other creatures was adopted into a loving new family.  We consider that 703 successes — we’re proud of each of them and we thank you, our supportive community for making them happen. 

Upcoming event: Interested in becoming a volunteer? Join us Sat, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. for a one-hour overview of what volunteering at the shelter is all about.  Adults only as our junior volunteer is full.