Washington on the march! 4/15/2008 Visit # 6
Kelley, the President and member of the Board of Directors was our host, brought us to The Bean Café for lattes and coffee to keep us warm and alert. Hollie, the owner, had been a top shelter supporter by opening her shop up for Zootoo events. Bands played, free wireless internet, and laptops for customer use. Talk about COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT!
We arrived at the shelter where a party was already underway. Balloons…signs…several tents…food… all donated and handmade from local vendors and caring families. State representative Tim Solobay, Senator J. Barry Stout, and the PR Director of the minor league baseball team, Washington Wild Things, Wayne Hared were all there. Wayne even told me that I could throw the first pitch if WAHS won. Range Resources, Consol Energy, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania all gave surprise donations to the shelter. Zootoo even received a Certificate of Appreciation from the EVERYONE AT WAHS!
WAHS has been in business for over 100 years. They had over 160 animals and there was even a Cat Castle. Since joining Zootoo, adoption is up 14% and their volunteerism is at an all time high! This is a true example of Zootoo’s mission and goal for shelters and animals in action. The MEDIA did get behind WAHS and got the word out in order to help all of our four legged friends. The Media has been covering the story from start to finish and has taken a real interest in HELPING the animals.
Our last stop was really surprising. We went to the Wylandville Elementary School where more than 100 children were waving handmade signs and cheering. It was a great way to end the day! It is obvious to us that WAHS marketing efforts has paid off to help the community and all the pets in their community!
This is a perfect example of a community coming together to help pets.
Thanks for a great day, WAHS!


1 year ago
Feel free to message me for more details
LaurenS
1 year ago
How are you? I am very much interested in helping to raise money for the shelter. Unfortunately, I have to work on Tuesday evening. Could you please keep me posted and let me know if there is anything that I can do to help! Thanks!
Toni
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Anyone up for organzing some sort of fundraser on behalf of this shelter. If so...then contact me and lets go for it!!
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DITTO!! I did a search on FAQ but couldn't find anything. I would like to delete my info too.
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Over 16,000 people joined in to support WAHS and this shows real support. After the March 31st deadline I received an e-mail from ZooToo requesting a journal entry to show even more support for my shelter,....and it really didn't matter. I feel like I was fooled by ZooToo. I saw the Today show where R. Thompson stated that "the shelter with the most points wins." I am angry now that ZooToo wasted so much of our combined time and energy promoting his company website, when such vast amounts of time could have been used to work on fund-raising methods that would have netted WAHS some real money. The good side of this is that many shelters have found out that their supporters do care a lot and are becoming capable of raising funds on their own. The true winners are those who discovered that they have the ability to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of the shelter animals who so desperately need love, food, and new parents. I hope the collective members/supporters of WAHS can dry their eyes, take a deep breath and come up with our own creative ways to make our dreams for a new or improved shelter happen. The momentum is still there. As for this "contest", all the shelters really deserved to win. I just feel that it should have been a lottery from the beginning so that extra work would mean extra entries, and luck would pick the winner from a drawing.
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It is nice that the community has become more aware of the pets and of the shelter. Let's hope that the community can continue to show support. The shelter needs so much TLC...
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There are still alot of sad dogs that are still there wondering why they did not get picked yet.
All i know is that i am gonna keep on volunteering my heart out so all the dogs may get adopted.
Once again Thank You Zootoo!!!
1 year ago
Kennel cough all cured and dogs were ready to be walked.
I was so happy that several were also adopted today!!!! OH YEAH!!!!!.Thanks again ZOOTOO....lots of people came in and were asking about the shelter makeover and what they can do to help.We are Million dollar winners.
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Imagine if you all get the grand prize in the makeover contest what you can do to prevent this from happening again.Good Luck!!!!!!!!!
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I have never seen a shelter staff get together and help out these animals so much WAHS Kudos to your staff and volunteers and foster people you have.
Hope things get worked out for your shelter and You guys win the million dollar makeover.
Your entire community and surrounding communities has stepped up and helped and hope they all continue to help.
Remember all it all for those poor homeless animals.
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I have a poem, written by Jim Willis. Maybe you have heard it before. In any event, I feel that it is very appropriate to share with you:
I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter…
The cast-offs of human society
I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal.
And I was angry.
“God,” I said, “this is terrible! Why don’t you do something?”
God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly.
“I have done something,” He replied.
“I created You.”
Thank you Mr. Thompson for everything that you do!
Susan R.
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How can someone say this is a poorly run shelter? Every organization has its problems, but if you care you don't walk away instead you stay and try to make a difference. Over the years, I have met many wonderful people and animals through my association with the WAHS.
I have been volunteering with the WAHS for over 27 years. In 1980, our beloved Dalmation, Gidget passed away and I decided the next dog would come from an animal shelter, where I could "save-a-life." In those days when you adopted a dog or cat, you were literally saving a life. I started to do some advertising on local radio stations, listing pets for adoption and then shortly thereafter I joined the Board of Directors. In those days we were existing from month to month, wondering if we could meet the next months expenses. Due to the help of many wonderful volunteers and contributors, we started to grow. In 1980 we started the Spay/Neuter Clinic, added 9 large additional dog runs, added on an addition to enlarge the clinic and recouperation areas. In time the Falconi building and renovation of a buidling to house incoming cats was added. This could not be possible without a dedicated staff, volunteers and contributers. All 3 groups are equally important to the success of the shelter.
Our orginal building is in much of need of a makeover. The dog runs are in constant need of repairs and our cat adoption area has poor ventilation, only 3 windows for the 75 cats to see the world outside (they do not go for walks like the dogs do), some of them see only their cage as they await a caring person to give them a loving home, perhaps as long as a year. The steps make it hard for the elderly and handicapped to visit our cats.
I am proud of our hard-working staff and volunteers. It takes special, caring people to help animals. Thousands of hours went into making our Shelter #1 for the zootoo makeover and you all are to be commended for your dedication.
Patty G (soxykats)
1 year ago
I was glad to meet you and am also so proud of the awarness you brought not only to our community but awarness all across the united states.
I had tears in my eyes to see the support the shelter had and how the community pulled together for the homeless and shelter animals the day you arrived and i am sure now it will continue.
You Mr Thompson are a inspiration to all the hard working people whom try and hold these shelters together with what little they have and by having this Make over contest made all shelters even stronger.
I know our shelter was #1 in points and we all worked very very hard to make that happen but with you putting and your Zootoo site and contest made lots more people open thier eyes and come forward to help....from giving a dollar to donating food or voluntering to fostering and even repair and maintence.
Mostly all shelters need a make over and you and your Zootoo team have a very tough desicion to make.
If we dont get the Grand Prize I know then the shelter thats does needed it more...
As far as i am concerned just seeing you and your zootoo crew come out touring and visiting with the staff,volunteers,community and playing with some of the shelter animals was worth a million alone.
THANK YOU & KUDOS!!!!!!!! You Are The Best MR THOMPSON.
1 year ago
Your small shelter has shown great character in responding to replies and even greater support to the animals as a whole. May you win #1...but as far as I see it --you are allready there with spirt and heart. WAHS, as many of the smaller shelters in the top ten contest have shown how caring should be...by the people,for the animals...One as all.
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It was so amazing while we were setting up for the festivities at the shelter on Monday and Tuesday, people just stopped and got out of their cars and asked what they could do to help. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!
The outpouring of support on Tuesday just made me cry. The fact that adoptions have gone up and that there are more volunteers is a byproduct of us being able to promote Zootoo and get the word out about all shelters.
Regardless of who wins the million dollars, if every shelter has received the same support as we have, everyone's a winner. Thank you.
1 year ago
We started by registering on ZooToo and inviting friends. We asked those friends to not only invite at least 3 more of their friends, but to review products, services and news articles. When we made it to #20, we were on fire! We could not believe we had made our goal! There was still alot of time left in the contest, and where 5,000.00 could help alot 10,000.00 could do even more, so we focused on that #2 position.
In his journal enty, Topcat mentioned our ZooToo-A-Thon at the bean cafe. We were also permitted to set up laptops at 2 area home shows so that we could sign up people on the spot. We had the help and support of several local media outlets. TV stations 11, 4, 2 & local cable channel 7, Radio stations Froggy, KDKA & KJPA and Newspapers The Almanac, Observer Reporter, Pittsburgh Post Gazette & The Tribune all helped to make sure that everyone in South Western PA knew that we needed their help! Our local cable provider (ComCast) showed public service spots about us and ZooToo throughout the month of March, and asked their employees to get on- line to help us out!
As impossible at it had seemed just a few months ago, we moved into that #2 spot. Another fire was lit, and we charged ahead toward that #1 spot. Our "antique" computer system with very slow dial up could not handle the downloads and copies we needed, so we all had "homework" to do. When our home printers started running out of ink, we asked every business we could find with a copy machine to donate copies and we hit the streets. THANK YOU to every business, university and parking lot that allowed us to place flyers on cars! THANK YOU to every business that got their employees involved, put up posters and gave out ZooToo cards!
Before we had come close to blanketing the area, the greatest county in the country made WAHS #1!!! Six months ago, we were barely surviving. Phone calls were not returned and doors were closed to our requests for help. Now, we are the train everyone wants to get on. So - everyone jump on! We are not finished yet, this ride is just starting!! If you know of anyone - or any business - that has money to unload, send them our way. What a dream come true it would be to have such a huge outpouring of support that we no longer need that million dollars! Every shelter in this country has a need - or needs. GOOD LUCK to everyone, and keep up the GREAT work!!!
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Richard you are a wonderful speaker and I believe you are going to make history. I'm not sure of what your exact expectations were when you had your vision and decided to start zootoo.com but give yourself a huge pat on the back. It is people like you that make it possible for us little people in the world to join together in order to bring change and make a difference. We could not do it without a leader like you.
It was great to see you in person on Tuesday at WAHS although I never had a chance to shake your hand, introduce myself or give you the enormous hug that you deserve.
Take care and best of luck to all the shelters you visit and have visted along the shelter makeover tour route.
Natalie
WAHS Volunteer
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As our shelter manager so graciously stated, if a shelter who needs it more than us gets it, then we good for them. And in fact, good for us all, because improvements in any shelter lightens to load on all other shelters.
As much as I believe WAHS deserves this makeover and that the animals' lives will be enhanced by any significant improvement in their temporary home with us, we will never stop trying to make it the best we can with what we have to work with.
1 year ago
During my time as a volunteer at WAHS, a few things stick out in my mind.... For example, this fall we ran out of donated paper towels and toilet paper and it was concerning to us all bc we use so much and hoped not to have to dip into shelter funds for it. Then in November, we put up Angel Trees with our wish list on them at a few local businesses, and we STILL have tons of paper towel and toilet paper!
And I think about Mojo, a dog in his "golden years", who waited for a forever home for over a year at our shelter. He never did find a forever home, but he was in foster care at Camp Bow Wow for the last three months of his life, enjoying himself and being loved. He passed away in early March due to heart conditions, among other things.... surrounded by love and always given medical attention and good care.... this is a true testament to the dedication of a no kill shelter with a HUGE heart!
I remember when the furnace broke and everyone was upset and disheartened at the financial blow. I remember when we converted what was once a much needed storage room for blankets and supplies into a puppy room so that we could take in more animals and save more lives.
I think of those memories, just to name a few, and then think about the hundreds of supporters, streamers, balloons, and posters yesterday.... and the board, staff, volunteers, and community joined together. What hope!!!!!!!!!! To go from me losing sleep about paper towels to being apart of a huge celebration of animal rescue and love is such a transition! The best was the staff and volunteers doing the "electric slide" in the parking lot. Wish I had it on video!
This whole experience has been so cool. No matter who wins the makeover (of course I still hope it is us) we truly all do win if we stay excited, stay hopeful, and keep working at unity between organizations and shelters. I know that what we animal shelter people see on a daily basis can wear you down and make one lose faith in humanity at times, but I think all this proves how much we can do, when we are able to pull in thousands of supporters to a website to help animals.
Thanks Zootoo, and thanks Mr. Thompson!!!!!!!! We have very much the same dreams for what the future could be like for the situation with companion animals.... let's hope we see the day when animal shelters are no longer needed! Thank you for putting your energy and so many resources into achieving that vision, and for giving a major public voice to the animals. That's exactly the sort of things America's animals need, but that they can't do for themselves.
1 year ago
Thank you for expressing our memories so well. In the 5 years that I have volunteered at WASH, I have seen several transitions (some people bitterly fought the changes needed to become a successful NO KILL shelter and many more newer volunteers such as yourself would not give up the vision). Each year since becoming no kill, in 2000, this shelter has worked so hard to become better and better.
Now I see HOPE. I see a committed board, staff, and volunteers, united in moving WAHS forward. The encouragement of the Zootoo contest and the influence of the media/community support make the dreams possible. Dreams of kennel doors that work, better cat facilities, reliable hvac, sewer lines that work, adoption rooms and counselors, more spay and neuters, more outreach to the community programs...( Gee! We sure can use the makeover $ wisely....) We stay committed to improving the plight of the animals and serving our extended community.
Yet, you and others who have already commented here have said it best. We are celebrating what the Zootoo contest has helped us and other shelters achieve. Thanks Zootoo.
,
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My husband and I are Volunteers for the shelter which has become our second home to us.
All I can say is that WAHS since the contest started used every ounce of energy to put out the word for the ZooToo contest and make it improtant to the general public that this is all for the homeless animals.....and it worked.
In my eyes all shelters are winners......I wish all shelters can get the Million dollar makeover.
Thank You Mr Thompson for this great contest and opening all communities eyes wide open about homeless animals.
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If it wasnt for my family I would not have the Zoo I have today and probaly wouldnt be volunteering or fostering either but now I am fostering and volunteering
Families are great to have Human and animal families.
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It was an absolute pleasure and honor meeting you, Richard, yesterday at WAHS. Your energy and dedication to this cause is contagious and you really are a master motivator. If every citizen could hear you speak in person, there would no unwanted animals and no need for shelters!
What you are doing is great and we at WAHS would be outstanding ambassadors and a shining star to zootoo if given the opportunity of this makeover. Our shelter is here to stay with the strong backing of our community, which is evidenced by the great amount of zootoo points we had and our first place in the contest; the commitment of our local and state politicians, who yesterday voiced commitment and on-going support to our mission; and our business community who have offered acreage, funds and supplies for improvements and the necessary manpower to accomplish them. I only hope that in considering your final decision, you look at these positives as the needed elements to make the first zootoo makeover shelter a tremendous success and not as an indication that we do not desperately need to win this contest.
With your $1 million makeover, we can create the model shelter which would be welcoming to everyone - a clean and professional space that would encourage people to adopt these loving creatures. We could also implement community programs for the good and welfare of animals everywhere. Being situated in a rural/farming area, we could even introduce programming outside of dogs and cats.
I hope that you and your crew viewed WAHS as a strong shelter meeting all of the criteria that you set forth in the contest.
Again thank you for what you are doing and for taking the time you spent with all of us. I also want to thank your crew - they are awesome and I'm sure that I am not the only person jealous of their jobs. You have assembled a very special group of people to help you with this project.
No matter who wins - we are all winners because of zootoo!
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Nepotism is NOT allowed in either of the other 3 animal shelters in the Pittsburgh region. The board lost several members in the last 6 months due to certain few members basically BUYING votes by paying only the current $10 shelter membership fee and thereby stacking the board with their cronies.
The CAT CASTLE has been overcome with ringworm, employees cannot get along and they became "NO KIll"almost overnight in order to enhance their fundraising strategy.
The other shelters on the list seem in more dire straits than this poorly run and politically run organization
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Congratulations to WAHS for your spectacular 1st place finish in the Top 20. Good luck and I hope to meet some of you in Orlando.
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why is it when a shelter (WAHS)is so dedicated to thier cause for animals in helping them.....spreading the word out about the zootoo contest.....going to every function possible to make the contest and animal cause known.......and becoming # 1 in the standings but not the offical winner of the contest.......You have other shelters and other people bashing.
This is not right.......We all have to remember the ANIMALS are the ones at stake here.....not politics....not people.
Richard Thompson and his zootoo crew made this contest possible for ALL shelters not just only one grand prize shelter.
As far as i see all shelters that entered this contest are all WINNERS......even if they get a prize or not.....because the Contest opened everyones eyes about homeless animals And all shelters across the Unites States are having more volunteers and more items and help donated for this cause.
So these jealous people whom are writing these bad comments on shelters that dont deserve them obviously better take a long look at themselves and realize they dont care about the homeless animals only where they stand and where they could of been if more effort was put towards the contest cause.
In my eyes every shelter and homeless animals are all winners.
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Maybe you can appeal to ZooToo support staff to remove this ugly comment above since you cannot flag it. Maybe ask them to change it so you can flag comments.
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tresarmos
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We really hope you pick our great shelter as it needs lots of tender loving care; but this contest is a win-win situation. You have helped both our four legged friends and our two legged friends come together and grow in community involvement and spirit. I hope everyone maintains the level of community spirit and volunteerism long after the contest is over. :)
It was a great pleasure meeting you today and I am very glad that you and your crew enjoyed both your welcome and departing send offs.
We can't wait to see you again in May to throw that pitch! ;)
From one volunteer to the others and the staff of WAHS; THANK YOU for all the hard work in making today what I feel was a HUGE success in all aspects from what I could view and hear. Also, thank you for your dedication to the shelter all year round!
God Bless everyone, four and two legged! See you at the next volunteer meeting! :)
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