It was a hair flying, fur raising kind of day at the Pony Village Mall over the weekend, when a local veterinarian and her husband shaved their heads to benefit homeless animals. First to sit in the hot seat Saturday, in front of the Friends of Coos County Animals (FOCCAS) adoption booth, was Dr. Kelly Thompson. A Veterinarian at Hanson-Meekins Animal Hospital in Coos Bay, she announced six weeks ago that if the community could raise $5,000 to help treat stray cats and dogs, she and her husband would both shave their heads. A fundraiser they called, "Shave a Vet, Save a Pet."
"We were probably going to do it even if we didn't reach $5,000 just because if people donate $3,000, they still should get something," said Kelly. "But we weren't going to tell people that, so I'm glad we made it to $5,000."
And with funds coming in down to the wire, Laura Jorgensen with FOCCAS says this hair raising event will be enough to treat lots of animals in the community.
"It's going to help at least 100 animals and it could be spay and neuters, that's what it's mostly going for, or vaccines at the shelter.
Friends of Coos County Animals, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable purposes, and specifically to support and enhance services for the Coos County Animal Shelter including organizations and causes that promote animal welfare.
Our Goals
Showcase and adopt animals to the public via our Adoption Booth at Pony Village Shopping Center in North Bend, Oregon
Educate the public about animal issues such as: Pet Overpopulation and Euthanasia, Spaying/Neutering Animals, Animal Abuse and the County Ordinances regulating this abuse, Animal vaccinations, and handing out Educational Literature.
Provide spay/neuter vouchers to those meeting the criteria and when funds are available.
Transport animals from the Coos County Animal Shelter to off site adoption locations or veterinaries as needed.
Build public awareness as to the human/animal bond and its benefits to society.
Educate the public as to the responsibilities of pet ownership in an attempt to alleviate unwanted pets.
Organize fundraisers such as yard sales, bake sales, dog washes and recycling.
Give presentations about FOCCAS and the Coos County Shelter to solicit volunteers at local service clubs.
Give presentations about animal welfare and overpopulation at local schools.
Create printed or electronic brochures or newsletters to educate the general public about animal related issues.
Search for and apply for Grants and Donations for animal welfare.
Volunteer time to the Coos County Animal Shelter for routine duties.
Provide Foster Homes for special needs animals of the Shelter.
Work towards becoming a Non-Euthanasia Shelter.