Press
Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS)
FACT SHEET
10-6-09
Mission: The Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1943 to prevent cruelty to and alleviate the suffering of all animals. We are committed to responsible pet ownership and elevating the welfare of all animals through adoption, education, and intervention programs.
Vision: The Central Missouri Humane Society envisions a time when no animal is homeless or neglected.
- Operated by CMHS, the Marguerite Doe Memorial Shelter is an open-door shelter that welcomes all homeless dogs, cats and other animals. CMHS is managed by Executive Director Patty Forister and governed by a volunteer board of directors. The board meets monthly and invites public comment on a quarterly meeting timetable.
- CMHS averages a weekly intake of approximately 100 animals.
- The current CMHS annual budget is $876,500 and is generated primarily by donations, adoption fees, veterinary income (low cost spay-neuter/ vaccinations/micro-chipping), grants, and contractual services.
- The City of Columbia does not have a municipal shelter and so contracts with CMHS for $101,718 to care for dogs picked up as stray by Animal Control (cats are not covered by City ordinance and are not considered as stray). Animal Control transferred 401 animals to CMHS in the past year. Residents of Columbia brought in 2,666 dogs, cats and other animals directly to the shelter as strays or “relinquished by owner” in the same time period.
- An additional 3,630 animals came to the shelter from outlying cities and counties; they were supported by funds from those municipalities or from the shelter’s own income. No public funds from Columbia support these animals.
- CMHS finished 2008 in the black and projects a similar conclusion to 2009. The Society had budget deficits in 2005 ($127,000), 2006 ($248,000) and 2007 ($98,823). The firm of Gerding, Korte, and Chitwood prepares the CMHS financials on a monthly basis; the books are audited every other year (most recently by Marberry, Miller and Bales) and are currently undergoing an audit. The board now requires an annual audit.
- During negotiations with the City of Columbia related to the Animal Control contract, the City was provided with three years of financial reports and a copy of the last audit.
- The Zootoo contest win is a shelter renovation worth up to $1 million in goods and services. A committee of the board is working with Zootoo CEO Richard Thompson on a project plan for the shelter. The original Zootoo application is posted on the CMHS Web site for anyone to review.
- The board has begun a strategic planning process that will address future operational, facility and resource needs.
- CMHS works with the MU College of Veterinary Medicine: Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound; a senior foster care project; CPE exams and spay/neuter by students.
- CMHS partners with Columbia Second Chance and with numerous rescue groups across the country.
- SCORE, an organization of retired business executives, has worked with CMHS to improve business practices and review resource allocation. MBA students from MU have conducted benchmarking studies with other shelters and an image study.
- CMHS Friends for the Animals (CFA), which operates under the auspices of the Society, is a membership organization that hosts events and raises private funds for the shelter; their most recent donation was $17,000. Dues are $65 annually.
- The CMHS family of adopters, donors, foster care providers, volunteers and staff thank the community for its support and ask everyone to PLEASE PUT THE ANIMALS FIRST.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2010
CMHS to host “spay”-ghetti dinner to raise funds for and awareness of the pet overpopulation problem
(Columbia, MO) February 17, 2010 – The Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) is hosting a spay-ghetti dinner and silent auction on Tuesday, February 23 in honor of National Spay Day. The dinner will run from 5-8 p.m. (with open seating) at the First Presbyterian Church on Hitt Street. To-go orders will also be available.
National spay day is a very important day of awareness all across the nation. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that over 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in shelters across the country. This staggering number is due to the fact that there are just too many pets, and not enough people to care for them.
The Central Missouri Humane Society hopes to not only raise funds for low cost spay/neuter services for Mid-Missourians, but also awareness of the overpopulation problem. Please come and show your support for the CMHS and its efforts. Come for dinner, or just to bid on our silent auction. Tickets are only $10 for adults and $6 for children (5-12), seniors (60+), and students. Kids under 5 are free! Call for more details (573)-443-7387 or check out our website www.cmhspets.org.
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Contact:
Dr. Alan Allert, Executive Director
573-443-PETS
Shelter announces arrival of new Shelter Operations Coordinator
(Columbia, MO) January 6, 2010 – The Central Missouri Humane Society is proud to announce the return of Shelter Operations Coordinator Pam Pearn. Pam previously worked at the shelter in 2006-2007 as the Kennel Director. She has been back one week, and has hit the ground running.
Pam has 30 years of experience working with non-profit organizations. She has extensive fundraising experience including 15 year working in the Mid-Missouri Donor Community. She also has vast experience working with volunteers.
Pam is a very friendly and hardworking individual with a lot of optimism and energy. She is a great addition to the CMHS team, and will assist with many great things in the shelters future.
For further information, or to make a donation to help the animals; contact the Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202, by phone at (573) 443-7387, or at www.cmhspets.org.
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Contact:
Dr. Alan Allert, Executive Director
573-443-PETS
(COLUMBIA, Mo.) January 5, 2010 – Part of our mission at the Central Missouri Humane Society is being committed to responsible pet ownership. Keeping your pet healthy is a major part of that responsibility. That is why CMHS offers low cost spay and neuter surgeries to low income families in the entire Mid-Missouri area.
This is nothing new. CMHS has always provided these services for the community, and has performed thousands of these surgeries thus far. Winter tends to be a slower time of the year, so please call and schedule an appointment for your pet. Appointments are available immediately.
By providing these surgeries to your pets, you are not only preventing unwanted pregnancies, and helping to decrease our shelter’s euthanasia rates; you are protecting your pet from some potentially fatal diseases.
Shelter Veterinarian Dr. Lee explains that “If you get your dog spayed before her first heat cycle you significantly reduce the risk of her getting mammary carcinomas, which can be deadly. Also, female dogs and cats can suffer from pyometra, or uterine infections. Male animals have fewer health problems, but their behavior can dramatically improve after sterilization surgery.”
Price varies according to animal, gender, and size. Check out cmhspets.org for the details or give us a call at 574-443-7387. Low cost vaccinations, nail trims, and micro-chipping are also available at the time of surgery only.
For further information, or to make a donation to help the animals; contact the Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202, by phone at (573) 443-7387, or at www.cmhspets.org.
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Contact:
Dr. Alan Allert, Executive Director
573-443-PETS
Bring Christmas to the Animals
The weather out side was frightful, but you made their lives delightful
(Columbia, MO) December 11, 2009 – Last night, the Central Missouri Humane Society hosted their first Christmas open house. With the lobby adorned with holiday decorations and the smell of hot apple cider filling the air, the CMHS staff and guests were filled with holiday spirit.
Despite the cold weather, several people ventured out toting with them donations of bleach, paper towels, toys, treats, and blankets. The CMHS staff and some wonderful volunteers provided cider and cookies for the guests. The kennels were open for adoptions, and two adorable dogs found their forever homes. Overall the evening was a huge success.
If you would like to “Bring Christmas to the Animals” this holiday season, please stop by the Humane Society located at 616 Big Bear Boulevard during our hours of operation: Thursday – Monday 12:00-5:00. Be sure to check out our wish list on our website www.cmhspets.org, or bring us a monetary donation of any size.
Contact: Dr. Alan Allert, Executive Director
(573) 443-7863
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2009
Message from Central Missouri Humane Society Board of Directors
(COLUMBIA, Mo.) September 30, 2009 – The Board of Directors of the Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) met last night in a special session. During the meeting, the board received a September progress report, discussed a strategic planning process, and reviewed concerns related to the shelter that have been raised by supporters and via the news media.
Executive Director Patty Forister reported on the society’s most successful September to date, which included over $17,000 from CMHS Friends for the Animals (proceeds from a fundraising event); $37,000 in bequest contributions; and $10,000 in memorial donations honoring a beloved shelter supporter. Board members are in the beginning stages of strategic planning. This process, among other things, will assess the current CMHS business model to determine how well it is serving the increasing homeless animal population as well as the health and safety of the community. Mandated by the board, the shelter also has overcome a history of deficits that previously totaled $127,000 for 2005, $248,000 for 2006, and $98,823 for 2007. CMHS finished 2008 in the black and projects a similar conclusion for 2009. An outside firm prepares the society’s financials on a monthly basis; the books are audited every other year and will be audited every year henceforth at the board’s request. During negotiations with the City of Columbia related to the animal control services contract, the City was provided with three years of financial reports prepared by an independent firm and a copy of the last audit.
Meeting attendees also discussed recent concerns that have been reported in the media. “We were very surprised to suddenly learn of these issues,” said Maria Furey, president of the board. “We are engaged in a very positive process related to our Zootoo makeover; our original application to Zootoo will be posted on our web site (see below) for public review.” She added, “We continue to be very grateful for Zootoo CEO Richard Thompson’s vision and commitment to building community support for shelters as well as for the leadership of Amanda Huhman and Libby Burks who were instrumental in winning a makeover worth up to $1 million in goods and services.” A committee of the board is working with CMHS staff and Thompson on a renovation plan for the shelter; Thompson recently visited Columbia to discuss the makeover. The CMHS strategic planning and fundraising processes also will factor in future shelter facility needs that will better serve the animals and the community in the future.
“Our board and the management of CMHS welcome public questions,” Furey said. “We are so thankful to our donors, foster families and volunteers and appreciate every opportunity to say thank you on behalf of the animals.” CMHS placed 179 animals in homes or with rescues during September and 1,946 year to date. “That’s what it’s all about,” concluded Furey.
Donations to help the animals can be made to Central Missouri Humane Society,
616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202, by phone at (573) 443-7387, or at www.cmhspets.org.
Original application to Zootoo (Click Here to download)
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Contact: Patty Forister CAWA
Executive Director
Central Missouri Humane Society
(573)443-PETS
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2009
Central Missouri Humane Society keeps a positive outlook.
(COLUMBIA, Mo.) September 29, 2009 – The Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) was saddened by the news that the Huhman and Burkes families have withdrawn support from the shelter they once rallied around.
“Working with Angie, Liz and the girls to win the Zootoo.com Shelter Makeover contest has been a wonderful experience,” said Patty Forister, CMHS Executive Director. “We are so grateful for the time they have devoted to the shelter and the animals will definitely see an improved quality of life thanks to them.”
While specific concerns remain a bit unclear, CMHS submitted a completed application and all documentation by the required deadline as requested by Zootoo.com for review by contest representatives.
“CMHS has made some amazing accomplishments thanks to the community, Zootoo-ers, volunteers, staff, and board members,” said Patty Forister. “The organization has a bright future if we can all focus on the needs of the animals. They have to be our number one priority.”
Donations to help the animals can be made to Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202, by phone at (573) 443-7387, or at www.cmhspets.org.
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Contact: Patty Forister CAWA
Executive Director
Central Missouri Humane Society
(573)443-PETS
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(COLUMBIA, Mo.) July 21, 2009– The Certification Council of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA) recently granted Patty Forister, executive director of the Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) with certification as an animal welfare administrator.
“We are very pleased with Patty’s professional achievement,” said Maria Fury, President of CMHS’ board of directors. “It is an asset to our organization to have an experienced leader with this certification. As a board we appreciate her efforts to better herself and our organization.”
Fewer than 200 people have earned the CAWA credentials. According to their website, “SAWA’s Professional certification program is designed to distinguish the knowledge, skills, and achievements of high-level managers working in animal welfare and protection; to support best practices within the profession; and to broaden the understanding among those making hiring decisions and the general public of the specialized qualifications required to successfully lead non-profit organizations and governmental agencies dedicated to animal care.”
For further information, or to make a donation to help the animals; can be made to Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202, by phone at (573) 443-7387, or at www.cmhspets.org.
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Contact: Patty Forister CAWA
Executive Director
Central Missouri Humane Society
(573)443-PETS
