80 Easter Drive, Portsmouth, OH 45662 Phone (740)353-5100
I was once the proud owner and companion of a handsome prince named Bernie Counts. He was my hero. He loved our Mother Earth and spent his life protecting it. He went to work each day to sample streams and rivers for signs of pollution. If he found the water to be contaminated, he took those responsible for it to court to make sure they didn't do it again. When he came home, I was always there to greet him and keep him safe. But one sad day, the 25th of June 2000, he fell asleep and never woke up…so I was left alone. My companion's nephew, Garrett, adopted me, and I now have a new home. But I will never forget Bernie, my hero. I was lucky enough to have someone dear adopt me, but so many others aren't so lucky. That's why I wanted to start a haven for lost and lonesome pets like me, so they will never be left alone. This shelter will be in honor of him because I know he would like it so much. So please do what you can to help. The world is a very lonely place when you have no one to love you and no home.
Thanks so much, SIERRA
Sierra's Haven is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
(Footnote: Bernie Counts, Jr. was the brother of Dr. Gail Counts, President and Executive Director of Sierra's Haven. He died at the age of 42 of a heart attack. Sierra, his cat, stayed by his side until he was found by a neighbor. He was a field investigator for the EPA. Sierra has since passed away, but both Sierra's and Bernie's memories will live forever in the work that we are doing at Sierra's Haven.)
e-mail us: sierrashaven@hotmail.com
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Our Objectives:
Sierra's Haven is a group of volunteers working together to help find safe, loving homes for adoptable pets. In our brief existence, we have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of animals. Whether they were strays or animals needing medical attention. Sierra's treated, spayed/neutered, and found them wonderful homes.
2006 NUMBERS
We cared for 462 animals:
- 201 dogs and puppies
- 261 cats and kittens
We adopted 273 animals into new homes:
- 127 dogs and puppies
- 146 cats and kittens
2007 NUMBERS
We cared for 773 animals:
- 412 dogs and puppies
- 361 cats and kittens
We adopted 435 animals into new homes:
- 230 dogs and puppies
- 205 cats and kittens
2008 NUMBERS
We took in 377 additional animals:
- 169 dogs and puppies
- 208 cats and kittens
We adopted 474 animals into new homes:
- 288 dogs and puppies
- 186 cats and kittens
Spay/Neuter Program:
From 2006 - 2008, our veterinary staff (Drs. Gail Counts, executive director, Angela Sherman, Julie Bilchak and Naomi Dean) spayed or neutered approximately 1,156 dogs and puppies and 1,816 cats and kittens. Many pets belong to low-income families who pay only $10 per animal.
Staff:
We now have a part-time office manager, part-time veterinary technician, part-time kennel supervisor, part-time volunteer coordinator, and four other part-time shelter personnel. Several people volunteer their valued services daily or weekly.
Funding:
The shelter receives funding from these sources:
- Relinquishment fees
- Adoption fees
- Local business donations (such as Applebees’s, Verizon, Wal Mart, USEC, LATA Paralax, Palmetto GBA, Glockners, DESCO, SOMC and Southern Ohio Poultry Association)
- Bingo and fundraisers such as yard sales
- Pot ‘O Luck dinner and auction
- United Way (spay/neuter program)
- Scioto Foundation
- Ohio Pet Fund
- William & Charlotte Parks Foundation
- Kenneth Scott Foundation
- Greg Biffle Foundation
- Local individual donations
Sierra's Story
