2. LOVE...
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s
soul remains unawakened.”
– Anatole France
3. DEAR FRIENDS,
This past year has been one of great accomplishment, and has given us reason to
celebrate, as we successfully completed the implementation of Phase I of our Strategic
Plan. At the core of our Strategic Plan, is the health and welfare of all the cats
and dogs of Sonoma Valley, and how Pets Lifeline can best serve them and our
community. Starting with the stray and abandoned animals that find their way
into our shelter, we focus on what we can do to enrich their lives while they are
here with us before they find their much deserved forever home.
As we worked to implement shelter improvements and enhance our programs, in
the last year alone, Pets Lifeline provided shelter, food, medical care, compassion,
and love to over 450 stray and abandoned cats and dogs in our community. Our
ability to help so many animals in need is dependent on the generosity of our
family of Sonoma Valley donors, and we are grateful for their support.
In this, our first official community report, we are proud to share an inside look into our
many programs, and to honor the contributions of our dedicated donors and volunteers.
As we look ahead, we have a lot to be excited about, including plans that are underway
to modernize and expand our shelter capacity and facilities, and develop and implement
new classes and community programs to expand our reach. We look forward to sharing
more about our vision of an enhanced Pets Lifeline in the months ahead.
Pets Lifeline welcomes you to join us in our efforts to develop a stronger community
by bringing people and animals together. Collectively we can build a future where
compassion comes first.
On behalf of all of our furry friends,
Nancy King Monica Dashwood
Executive Director Board President
12015 COMMUNITY REPORT
4. 2 2015 COMMUNITY REPORT
OUR MISSION + HISTORY
The mission of Pets Lifeline is to protect and improve the lives of cats and
dogs in need in Sonoma Valley through sheltering and adoption, humane
education, and community programs. We are driven each and every day
by our belief and vision that every cat and dog in our community deserves
a loving home.
Founded in 1982 by a handful of animal lovers, Pets Lifeline provides the only
safety-net for companion animals in all of Sonoma Valley. What began more
than 30 years ago as an all volunteer shelter for lost and abandoned cats and
dogs, flourished into a vibrant nonprofit organization, offering a variety of
programs to meet a growing community need.
Today, Pets Lifeline boasts a staff of nine, and more than 250 active volunteers.
Together, over the past year, we have had a big impact on the lives of people
and pets in Sonoma Valley.
426 animals found shelter when they needed it most • 316 homeless animals
got adopted into loving homes • 79 lost or stray animals were returned to
their guardian • 558 animals got spayed or neutered • 425 young children
participated in PLL’s Humane Education programs • 375 animals received
microchip ID’s, ensuring they will always find their way home • 71 feral cats
were spayed or neutered and returned to their colony
5. 3PETS LIFELINE
CONNECT...
“The intuitive connection children feel with
animals can be a tremendous source of joy.
The unconditional love received from pets, and
the lack of artifice in the relationship, contrast
sharply with the much trickier dealings with
members of their own species.”
– Frans de Waal
6. 4 PETS LIFELINE
SHELTER, PROTECTION, ADOPTION:
Pets Lifeline provides shelter, love, and
veterinary care for stray and abandoned
dogs and cats, and ensures each animal
in our care is placed in a loving, forever
home. Over the past five years, Pets
Lifeline has found homes for 1,659 cats
and dogs in Sonoma Valley.
LOST AND FOUND: When a pet goes
missing it is devastating and frightening
for their family. Pets Lifeline takes lost
pet reports on a daily basis, and posts
alerts with agencies and newspapers,
and through Facebook and our website.
MEDICAL CARE: Pets Lifeline provides
a host of routine medical services for
animals in our care including spay/neuter
surgery, vaccinations, and de-worming.
We also provide critical care services to
ensure that animals with serious heath
conditions get the medical attention they
need in order to be ready for adoption.
FERAL PROGRAM: In 2010, Pets Lifeline
launched a highly regarded program to
trap, spay/neuter, release, and monitor
feral cats throughout the Valley. Volunteer
trappers humanely catch feral cats and
bring them to Pets Lifeline where they are
spayed/neutered before being released,
and then maintained by a colony
caretaker. Pets Lifeline’s feral program
is one of the most successful programs
of its kind, countywide.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
As the only animal welfare organization and shelter in all of Sonoma Valley, Pets
Lifeline fills a critical community need. Our programs reach far and wide, and aim to
provide protection, love, and care to animals in need; educate the public; and inspire
young people to embrace a respect for all living things. Read on to learn more.
“My family adopted a two-year old tuxedo cat from Pets Lifeline. We’ve never
adopted a shelter pet before, and we are amazed at how appreciative, playful
and loving our cat is. Maxley has become such a special part of our family;
we couldn’t even imagine what would have happened to him, and all the other
animals in Sonoma Valley without the incredible work being done by Pets Lifeline.
Thank you for making the lives of so many animals and so many families better.”
Mark Danon
Anchor/Meteorologist, KRON4 News
LOW COST MICROCHIP PROGRAM:
To ensure that all lost pets find their way
back to their families, Pets Lifeline offers
low-cost microchip identification for all
of Sonoma Valley’s cats and dogs.
7. 52015 COMMUNITY REPORT
SPAY/NEUTER (MONTHLY LOW COST):
Since 2012, Pets Lifeline has helped
low-income families in our community
by offering free spay/neuter and animal
wellness clinics through our partnership
with Sonoma County Animal Care and
Control and its Mobile Animal Care Unit.
DOG TRAINING AND COMMUNITY
EDUCATION SERVICES: Pets Lifeline
is the go-to resources for pet owners
in Sonoma Valley. Pets Lifeline offers
individual and small group dog training
to strengthen the bond between human
and dog, which reduces the number of
pets relinquished by their guardians. We
also conduct community workshops to
raise public awareness about responsible
pet ownership.
FREE PET FOOD TO LOW INCOME
FAMILIES: On a monthly basis, Pets
Lifeline provides free pet food to low-
income families through our collaboration
with F.I.S.H. (Friends in Sonoma Helping).
Last year we donated 537 pounds of
food to support families in need.
HUMANE EDUCATION: In partnership
with the Sonoma Valley Unified School
District, Pets Lifeline offers a robust
Humane Education Program that fosters
kindness, compassion, and empathy,
and teaches students to respect all life.
In addition to our in-school program
for elementary school-aged students,
we host Kids Speak for Pets, our after
school program for middle-school
students, and an annual 10-week
humane education summer camp.
“There are many of us that truly believe that dogs really are mans’ “best friend.”
Sonoma is so very fortunate to have Pets Lifeline—such a strong, well-run organization
dedicated to improving the lives of our “best friends.” Whether providing dogs and
cats in need with temporary shelter and medical care, finding them loving homes, or
lending a helping hand to families in need by providing free food for their pets and
free veterinary services, Pets Lifeline does all this and so much more.”
Sondra Bernstein
CEO/Proprietor, the girl the fig
EDUCATE...
“Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation
and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.”
– James Cromwell
EDUCATE...
“Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation
and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.”
– James Cromwell
8. 6 2015 COMMUNITY REPORT
PAWSITIVE STORIES
MEET CARLI.Each day, new animals arrive through Pets
Lifeline’s shelter doors. Many of them are in need of extensive
medical care, behavioral training, and lengthy foster care
before they can be adopted into a loving, forever home.
One such girl was Carli, a stray who was found wandering
by El Verano School in Sonoma.
Carli would have been easily adopted at only 5-years old. Unfortunately, her health-
check revealed she would need double cataract surgery right away or she was in
danger of losing her eyesight. At a cost of $3,500 (which is the shelter’s discounted
rate), her surgery was successfully performed, and Carli had a long recovery time
before she could be adopted. Since we must disclose all information to adopters, we
knew that without Pets Lifeline taking care of this surgery, Carli’s chances of adoption
would have been greatly diminished. Today, thanks to Pets Lifeline’s intervention,
Carli is a happy and healthy girl, and enjoying life with her new forever family.
ACCEPT...
“Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions,
they pass no criticisms.”
– George Elliot
9. 7PETS LIFELINE
MEET FRED.Fred, an adorable Grey Tabby, weighed only
four pounds and was close to death when he arrived at Pets
Lifeline. Fred had been abandoned and left inside a house
after his humans moved. Thankfully, a neighbor who heard
his cries broke in to save Fred and bring him to our shelter.
With lots of love and very special care, Fred was nursed back
to health. Fred is a fabulous cat, and he was adopted by Doug and Stephanie on
December 20, 2014— just in time for Christmas.
MEET PAIGE.Paige was brought to us as a stray after she
was found at the intersection of Broadway and MacArthur, lost
and all alone. Paige was completely matted and riddled with
fleas. She was so uncomfortable that she could barely move.
We spent hours bathing, shaving, and grooming Paige when
she arrived, just to give her some relief. With lots of love and
care and plenty of baths, Paige’s true self emerged in the form of a happy and very
grateful little poodle pup. Paige required medication to help her recover from the
months, and maybe years of neglect, but she responded well to treatment, and with
our help, she found her forever home.
10. 8 PETS LIFELINE
Diane and Jerry Ackeret
Roberta Alexander
Mary Evelyn Arnold
Julie Atwood
Dave and Kathleen Ball
Sharon Barncord
Judy and Al Bayless
Greg and Ellen Beck
Fred Bernhart
Judy and Hugh Black
Maria Biasetto
Leslie Blankenship
Selma Blanusa
Brian Bluth
Brennie and Larry Brackett
George and Patti Bradley
Judy Breedlove
Cindy Brillhart-True
Phoebe Brookbank
Karen Brown
Candace Brown
Jean Burns
Steve Burns and Josh Heiser
Kevin Cannariato
Nancy Canton
Jann Capone
Jeanne Capozzi
Marchelle and Kurt Carleton
Blythe and Robert Carver
Laura Chenel
Scott and Gina Clyde
Julie Conger
Kelly and Willie Cooper
Carole Coplan
Christy and John Coulston
Emily Courtice
Jesa Crawford
Beverly Cunningham
Cathy Curtis
Monica Dashwood and
Bill Sperry
John and Kayla Davies
Victor De Beck
Marcelo Defreitas
Lisa and John Dierking
Robert Dollar
Alyson Douglas
Erin and Dale Downing
Susan and Joseph DuCote
Doretta (Dede) Dunegan
Donna and Edward Eichner
John and Deborah Emery
Patti England
Jerry Evans
Lee and Joanne Evans
Mark and Tomoko Evans
Beth Farhart
Gayle and Gerald Farr
Stanley Feig
John and Caroline Ferrando
Millie and Tom Ferrando
Xochitl Fisher
Anne Forsythe
Joanne Foster
Shellbrook Foundation
Dana and Jon Freudenberger
Nancy Fryer
Gretchen and Bob Gardner
Dianne Gaudino
Joan Gerhardt
Irene Gilbert and
Rebecca Kuga
Karen and John Glickman
Sarah GoLightly
Anne Golseth
Junny Gonzalez
Christa Granton
Robert Griswold Foundation
Marek Grzybowski
Yvonne Hall
Teresa Hansen
Jane Harris
Amy and Jim Harwood
William Hawley Bucklin
Doris Hearn
Mark Herman
Troy and Steven Hightower
Roger Honour and Kari Ontko
Charles Houston and
Jim San Fillipo
Joan Howley
Keith and Cheryl Hughes
Mary Clark and
Amanda C. Janis
Bill Jasper
Betty Johnson
Ann Jones
Maryse Joske
Marilyn Kelly
Barbara Kerr
Leslie King
Gloria and Clifford Knuckles
Wayne Krebs
Lawrence and Virginia Krieger
Jack Kurt
Pamela Landry
Jackie Lehmer
Susie Linder
Wendy Lindstrom
Bard Living Trust
Tina Luster
Jim and Sharon Lynch
Robin and Rob Lyon
Susan MacMillan
John and Suzanne Maib
Lee Makapagal
Robyn Makaruk
Carolyn Manzi
Judy Martinez
Janet Massey
Charlie Masson
James Mathews
Judith May
Kelly McClellan
Mary McConnell
Jan McFarland
Josephine McGrane
Kevin and Rosemary McNeely
Donna Medeiros
Alice Melillo
Leesa Miao
Anne and George Mieling
George Miers and
Jenny Kuenster
Kassandra Miller
Terri Miller
Jeff Montague
Kenneth Moore
Ron Moser and Dan Gallagher
Jean Murphy
Brian Ness and
Michael Weiss
Dawn And Dusty Niles
Andrea Noble
Janice Oneto
William Oran
Joseph and Meredith Orlando
William and Jeanne Osterland
Jere Owen and Joane Palmi
Susan Panetta
Donald Parks
Dorothy and Jack Pariani
Roger and Judy Patterson
Joyce and Steven Pease
Kristi and David Pier
Rose Marie Piper Foundation
Casey’s Place
Darryl and Cece Ponicsan
Doris Porsow
Pat Printy and Dan Holland
Gregg Rake
Marilyn Raia
Peter Ramsey
Donna and Bill Redder
Renee and Lorenzo Reffreger
Theresa Rhodes
Roxanne Ridgeway
Barrett and Kate Roach
Vanessa Rognlien
Susan Ross and
Michael Malbasa
Sue and Mort Rubin
Michelle Rulmont
Mel and Susan Sandholm
Kerry Scharf
Michael Schuh
Deanna Schwab
Fred and Melanie Schwartz
Carol and Jon Sebastiani
Beverly Seyfert
Carol and Hunt Sharp
Richard and Margaret
Sheridan
George and Janice Sherman
Linda Shockey
Antonio and Teresa Silva
Claudia Sims
Jane Sinclair
Barbara Slatkin
Betty and Rod Snow
Barbara Stevens
Robert Stornetta
Nancy Swick
Bonnie Tempesta
Daniela Tempesta and
Jeffrey Wycoff
Alison Tinsley
Peg Trethewey
Hugh Trutton
Kate Twain
Gary Umholtz
Christine Vega and
Richard Molinari
Linn Vehling
Charles Villareal
Frances Waddock
Judith B. Walsh
Lisa Waits
Valerie Wathen
Cath Whistler
Donald White
Barbara White-Perry
Judy Widger
Donna Williams
Mary Jo Williams
Ulrike Wolter
OUR DONORS
Pets Lifeline is grateful to our generous donors who make our work possible. We extend
our thanks to each and every one of our supporters. With your help, we are saving lives
and making a difference.
Fiscal Year 2014-15 with total giving greater than $350
11. 92015 COMMUNITY REPORT
2014-15 FINANCIALS
The work of Pets Lifeline is made possible by the generosity of members of our
community. This past year, 95 percent of the money raised came from individuals
(living and deceased); three percent came from program fees; and two percent
came from foundation grants. Pets Lifeline receives no financial support from the
city or county of Sonoma.
TOTAL EXPENSES: $771,417.45
$436,815.45
TOTAL(inthousands)
500
400
300
200
100
0
$260,972.00
$73,630.00
Program Direct
Expenses
Admin Direct
Expenses
Fundraising Direct
Expenses
TOTAL REVENUE: $1,826,863.05
$297,558.05
$201,590.00
$57,675.00
$35,000.00
$8,763.00
TOTAL(inthousands)
300
1M
200
250
150
100
50
0
Individual
Donations
Event
Revenue
Program
Revenue
Grant
Revenue
Bequest
Revenue*
Interest
Revenue
$1,226,277.00
*Bequests are an important form of income for Pets Lifeline. They help us to cover the gaps between our income
and expenses from year to year, allow us to invest in improvements, and help to ensure the future of our
organization. To find out more about how you can leave a lasting legacy and support cats and dogs in need in
Sonoma Valley, please contact Nancy, King Executive Director at nancyking@petslifeline.org or 707.996.4577
12. 10 2015 COMMUNITY REPORT
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Simply put, Pets Lifeline could not exist without the countless hours of volunteer
support we receive each week from so many dedicated individuals in our community.
From walking dogs, to cuddling cats, or helping out wherever we need it, you are our
heroes. Thank you to the more than 250 Sonoma Valley residents who volunteered
in 2014–15, and most especially to our core volunteers who give of their time on
an ongoing basis.
Linda Anderson
Nazare Azevedo
Collette Benge
Judy Black
Shannon Brown
Ray C.
Lesley Cannariato
Sam Cannariato
Martha Ceja
Kelly Cess
Chrissy Cook
Fran Cook
Denise Cousineau
Heidi Dexter
Kevin Dill
Jacob Durkan
Nicole Durkan
Margo Efron
Cara Everett
Barbara Fetesoff
John Gallagher
Diana Garmus
Kathy Gatenby
Anne Golseth
Arlene Greener
Jane Harris
Rebecca Hinkley
Kiana Janson
Brisa Jimenez
Dawna Leong
Kendall McCarthy
Shannon Macaulay
Dale Miller
Kassandra Miller
Toshie Miura-gaiz
Aldo Mosca
Gayle O’Hara
Beate Priolo
Alex Pryor
Dee Rhoads
Roxanne Ridgway
Marcia Ronchetti
Nita Rothschild
Steve Rothschild
Vail Schaeffer
Jimmy Sherpa
Nima Sherpa
Don Strickler
Jenny Sparks
Abby Sparks
Al Saunders
Travis Sweeden
Abi Taylor
Laura Vega
Jo-Lee Wishner
Sydney Wishner
Pamela Wittig
Monica Wohlferd
13. OUR BOARD + STAFF MEMBERS
Pets Lifeline would like to acknowledge the dedication of our staff and Board of
Directors. Thank you for all you do to better the lives of cats and dogs in need in
our community.
11PETS LIFELINE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Monica Dashwood
President
Melanie Schwartz
Vice President
Wendy Mitchell
Treasurer
Renee Wiggs
Secretary
David Ball
Steve Burns
Marchelle Carlton
Kelly Cooper
Anne Mieling
Brian Ness
Kevin Schuh
Jean Arnold Sessions
Katy Wilson
Nancy King
Executive Director
Deanne Carr
Shelter Manager
Sara Rusmisel
Administrative
Coordinator
Monna Throop
Veterinary Assistant
Shoshana Brown
Adoption Specialist
Mary Green
Humane Education
Coordinator
Lissette Valdez
Volunteer Events
Coordinator
Jeanette Bair
Kennel Maintenance
Technician
Nate Martinez
Kennel Maintenance
STAFF MEMBERS
PROSPER...
“Everyone is taught that angels have wings - the lucky ones of us find
that they have four paws.”
– Jury Nel
PROSPER...
“Everyone is taught that angels have wings - the lucky ones of us find
that they have four paws.”
– Jury Nel
14. 12 PETS LIFELINE
OUR PARTNERS
Pets Lifeline collaborates with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and schools to
carryout our mission. We are grateful for their support. Partners for Pets are dedicated
business supporters who contribute between $500-5,000. If you are interested in joining
Partners for Pets, contact us at petpartners@petslifeline.org
Friends of the Shelter are nonprofit organizations and businesses, like Halo Purely for Pets,
that provide in-kind support or collaborate with us to carry out our programs. Thanks to the
generosity of Halo, all of the cats and dogs in our care dine on highly nutritious food, at no
cost to Pets Lifeline. Find out more about how you can become a Friend of the Shelter by
emailing us at friends@petslifeline.org.
FRIENDS OF THE SHELTER
Valley of the Moon Veterinary Clinic
Arroyo Veterinary Hospital
Sonoma Animal Hospital
Sonoma Veterinary Clinic
Sonoma Valley Pet Clinic
Vintage Kennel Club and Spa
The Granary
Pet Food Express
Brocco’s Old Barn
Sonoma Home
Fat Pilgrim
Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance
Sonoma International Film Festival
Vintage House
Teen Services Sonoma Valley
PARTNERS FOR PETS
15. 132015 COMMUNITY REPORT
GET INVOLVED
Join us in helping create a better life for cats and dogs in need in Sonoma Valley.
There are so many ways you can make a difference.
Volunteer: We have many opportunities for people of all ages. For more information,
contact us at volunteer@petslifeline.org
Champions Circle: Our “Champions” provide the backbone of support for Pets
Lifeline by making an automatic monthly contribution, helping ensure we have
the resources we need to provide for all of the cats and dogs that find their way
to the shelter. For more information, contact us at champions@petslifeline.org.
Legacy Circle: Help ensure that animals in need in Sonoma Valley will always be
cared for. To find out about the many ways you can leave a lasting legacy, contact
us at legacy@petslifeline.org.
Adopt A Shelter Pet: Change your life, and the life of an animal in need. For shelter
hours and available pets, visit us online at www.petslifeline.org
With your partnership and support, Pets Lifeline will always be there for every cat
and dog that passes through our shelter doors. Together we are making a difference.
CONTRIBUTE...
“I care not for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not the
better for it.”
– Abraham Lincoln
16. 19686 8th St East,
Sonoma, CA 95476
For more information or to volunteer:
info@petslifeline.org 707.996.4577 www.petslifeline.org
GRATEFUL...
“Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections,
predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards
for people to live up to.”
– Alfred A. Montaper
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