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 For the animals of CHA Animal Shelter, 2016 was an amazing year. So many pets found wonderful homes- 1,257 in fact! This year was also incredible because we were able to help more animals with special needs (animals that have certain medical issues and behavioral concerns) than ever before. In the past, we were unable to offer this assistance, but because of your generous support, these animals received the care they needed. Our tiny medical team performed more than 900 surgeries, and over 5,000 exams in 2016! Many of these issues were complicated and required extensive care and work on behalf of our staff and volunteers, so to see many of those animals get adopted is an amazing feeling. We are forever grateful to all who made this possible!
This year, I’ve most enjoyed seeing pets in need come to us from rural shelters. Many times we are providing the first warm, loving contact these pets have had in a long time, and, unfortunately, some have never experienced a loving relationship until their arrival at CHA. We are often the first to give them medical care, a bath, a warm place to sleep, plenty of food and, most importantly, plenty of loving touches.
 Second only to seeing the animals transformed by the level of care we provide is the joy I get seeing the bonds formed between the animals and our volunteers and staff. It is truly heartwarming to see so many volunteers dedicate their personal time to the well-being of animals in need. Many volunteers and staff members have dedicated their lives to animal welfare and it certainly shows at CHA. I’m honored that the volunteers and staff continue to choose to work with us to make the dreams of the agency and the animals we serve a reality. Without them, our successes would be few.
Our small (over 400 volunteers!), dedicated army shows up in rain, sleet, snow and blazing hot heat. They come to help even when they are not feeling their best. The volunteers put the animals above their own needs many times, and their efforts are proven in numbers. In 2016, our volunteers put in over 13,855 hours of service! I am deeply grateful for each and every minute given to us.
We hope you will be part of our success in 2017. Come volunteer with us! The animals promise not to disappoint.
Warm regards,
Stephanie Wimbish
CHA Animal Shelter
Executive Director
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My shopping list included two Rubbermaid storage bins (one bin was small enough to fit inside the larger bin), a 4-by-8 sheet of Styrofoam, some straw and a cat door.
both storage bins to install the cat door. Next, I placed straw in the empty spaces between the layers (around the Styrofoam) and inside the smaller bin to act as nesting material. Finally, I covered the shelter with the Styrofoam top piece, snapped the larger plastic lid in place and the cat shelter was finished! 
