Friday, November 1, 2013

Please visit our new site ShelterOurPets.org!

Click here to get to ShelterOurPets.org.


We will always reflect fondly on this blog that helped us get our start.  We can now serve you better through our new website ShelterOurPets.org.   Thank you for visiting!


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Shelter Our Pets Nonprofit Seeks Artisan Vendors and Sponsors for Upcoming Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair




Shelter Our Pets, Inc., P.O. Box 564, Montvale, NJ 07645, ShelterOurPets.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
LYNN GREGORSKI
973-506-9696


Shelter Our Pets Nonprofit Seeks Artisan Vendors and Sponsors for
Upcoming Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair

September 16, 2013 - Shelter Our Pets, a New Jersey nonprofit whose mission is to provide a safe haven for the pets of victims of domestic violence who are fleeing their abusive situations, will be hosting a Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair on Saturday, November 16th, featuring local artisans with unique, one-of-a-kind wares, including jewelry, accessories, and home decor. The event, hosted in conjunction with GFWC Paskack Junior Woman's Club, will take place at the Tice’s Senior Center in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey from 10am to 4pm.

The event will also feature a 50/50 raffle. Tickets will be for sale at the event and will be sold in advance for $10/each. Persons need not be present to win.  

Shelter Our Pets is currently accepting artisans and sponsors for the event.  The vendor table fee is $75 and sponsorships are $150.  Participating artisans include Sequin Garden Jewels, My Heart Works, and RMN Handmade Brushes.

Shelter Our Pets Holiday Bazaar is sponsored by D’s Grooming Shop in Hillsdale, New Jersey.

For more information, please visit ShelterOurPets.org or email  fundraising@shelterourpets.org.


ABOUT SHELTER OUR PETS:
Shelter Our Pets is an all-volunteer nonprofit corporation. Our mission is to provide a safe haven for the pets of victims of domestic violence who are fleeing their abusive situations. Shelter Our Pets assists people seeking safety from violence by providing alternatives to giving up a beloved pet, leaving a pet behind in a potentially dangerous situation or continuing to subject themselves and their pets to abuse. Shelter Our Pets, Inc. provides temporary shelter, medical care, and behavioral rehabilitation for the animals of domestic abuse victims.

“The decision to leave a batterer is extremely difficult, and a number of factors come in to play. The need to leave a beloved pet behind only complicates an already emotional decision,” said Lynn Gregorski-Bosi, a founder of Shelter Our Pets. “Many domestic violence shelters cannot provide shelter for a family pet, as well as the victim.   It is for this reason we founded the organization and created the SOP Foster Sponsorship Program.”

The funds will be applied specifically to costs of temporary boarding, medical care, food and supplies for the pets of domestic violence victims participating in our program. Your donation gives survivors an alternative to surrendering their pets or remaining in a potentially dangerous situation.

“The Humane Society of the United States applauds Shelter our Pets for protecting all victims of domestic violence by allowing the victims to leave an abusive situation knowing their pets are in a safe place.” said Kathleen Schatzmann, New Jersey state director for The Humane Society of the United States.



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Shelter Our Pets, Inc., P.O. Box 564, Montvale, NJ 07645, ShelterOurPets.org

BACKGROUNDER


Domestic violence and animal abuse are not mutually exclusive according to the American Humane Association. In fact, one becomes fodder for the other. For example, 71 % of pet-owning women entering shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; 32% reported their children had hurt or killed animals in response to abuse situations.

Psychological control is often the motive of a batterer, and pets can be used very effectively. Statistics from the American Humane Association show 68% of battered women reported violence towards their animals, with 87% of these incidents occurring in the presence of the victim and 75% in the presence of the children.

Between 25% and 40% of battered women are unable to escape abusive situations because they worry about what will happen to their pets or livestock should they leave. Further, the Association found, pets may suffer unexplained injuries, health problems, permanent disabilities at the hands of abusers, or disappear from home.

According to Shelter Our Pets founding member Laura Mann, Esq., "In the short term we want abuse victims to know we will be there to take care of the animals; over the long-term, we hope to be able to offer a facility where the survivors and their pets can remain together safely, while they break free from their lives of abuse. We seek to fill the gap in addressing this unmet need of survivors to hopefully play a small role in breaking the cycle of abuse and the torture of animals that also endure the cruelty of these abusers."

Investigation of animal abuse is often the first point of social services intervention for a family in trouble.

Beatriz Wawra, Director of Crisis Services at Shelter Our Sisters, which provides aid and shelter to abused women, added, “Shelter Our Pets is a much needed service that will benefit victims of domestic violence. We have had calls, wherein the caller wants to know if it is considered domestic violence when a partner is hurting a family pet after an argument. My answer is ‘yes’.  This behavior can escalate to a more dangerous situation for the victim.”

In 2011, the NJ legislators passed a bill that permits the court to include animals in domestic violence restraining orders.   NJ Senator Thomas Kean Jr. said, “While the new law provides legal shelter for the victims of domestic abuse and their pets, this new volunteer service will provide actual shelter for these animals, thus ensuring that domestic abuse victims no longer have to choose between leaving their home for safety and protecting their beloved pets.  I am so pleased that Shelter Our Pets has recognized the void that existed in this area, and has worked toward providing a much-needed resource in the effort to protect victims of domestic abuse. “
NJ Assemblywoman, Connie Wagner, who co-sponsored the bill in the Assembly said, “The public has become far more aware of the horrors some pets face at the hands of abusive spouses and partners.  I applaud the work of Shelter Our Pets and other organizations as they provide services for at-risk pets that are being protected under the new law.”

For information or assistance in sheltering pets, please contact, Lynn Gregorski-Bosi at 973-506-9696.


ABOUT SHELTER OUR PETS
Shelter Our Pets is an all-volunteer nonprofit corporation. Our mission is to provide a safe haven for the pets of victims of domestic violence who are fleeing their abusive situations. Shelter Our Pets assists people seeking safety from violence by providing alternatives to giving up a beloved pet, leaving a pet behind in a potentially dangerous situation or continuing to subject themselves and their pets to abuse. Shelter Our Pets, Inc. provides temporary shelter, medical care, and behavioral rehabilitation for the animals of domestic abuse victims.

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Sunday, September 15, 2013

HOLIDAY BAZAAR AND CRAFT FAIR FUNDRAISER


BENEFITING SHELTER OUR PETS

WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE GFWC PASKACK JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB!

Saturday, November 16th, 10am-4pm
Woodcliff Lake Senior Center
Tices Corner Marketplace, Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Mark your calendar for a holiday craft fair featuring local artisans selling handmade jewelry, home decor and unique gifts. The event will be held at the Woodcliff Lake Senior Center, located right in the heart of Tices Corner Marketplace.
Su card 1   VintageInspiredTasselChandelier   IMG_1984   IMG_2878
If you are a local crafter or artisan, you can participate in this exciting event!  There are two options available:

VENDOR TABLE $75

  • All proceeds of sales goes directly to the vendor.
  • A great way to reach and provide information to new customers in our area.
  • Raffle prize to be drawn the day of event.

EVENT SPONSORSHIP $150VintagePendantNecklace2

  • Includes a vendor table.
  • Your logo on all Shelter Our Pets event promotion, including our website and email marketing.
  • Your business name and sponsorship included in all press releases.
  • Sponsorship position on ShelterOurPets.org for one year (through 12/31/14).
Have an item to donate? Shelter Our Pets will also have a donated merchandise sale table.
For more information please contact us at fundraising@shelterourpets.org or call 973-506-9696.

YOUR PARTICIPATION WILL HELP SHELTER OUR PETS FULFILL OUR MISSION TO PROTECT AND SHELTER ANIMALS OF ABUSE SURVIVORS!


PARTICIPATING VENDORS:  

THE HOLIDAY BAZAAR IS SPONSORED BY:

DGSHome




Shelter Our Pets, Inc. is an all-volunteer New Jersey nonprofit corporation serving the entire state and beyond.
Shelter Our Pets
P.O. Box 564
Montvale, NJ 07645

Phone: 973-506-9696
Contact us by email at info@shelterourpets.org









Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Presention to the Junior Womens Club


On May 8th, Shelter Our Pets was the guest of the Greater Pascack Valley Junior Womens Club.  Fundraising Co-Chairs Cristina Deutsch and Miri Upton made quite an impression.  Cristina created a purple-themed welcome table for the members and Miri talked about SOP’s mission.  Thanks to Ned Barber for all his work on a moving presentation powerpoint and for setting it up for the meeting.








Shelter Our Pets Seeks Secretary


Are you good at organizing people?  Scheduling meetings?  Taking notes?  Are you into email and communication?  Would you like to be a part of something very special?  Shelter Our Pets is seeking a Secretary.  This position is an officer of the organization and requires a commitment to the board, volunteers and the mission of the organization.

The Secretary shall:
      record the minutes of the Organization’s Board meetings and other meetings
      keep the minutes and records of the Organization in appropriate books.
      distribute proposed minutes to all board members for review prior to the next meeting
      file any certificates required by any statute, federal or state at the direction of the Board.
      give and serve all notices to members of this Organization.
      be the official custodian of the records of this Organization.
      may be one of the officers authorized to sign the checks of the Organization.
      present to the membership at meetings any communication addressed to the Secretary of the Organization.
      submit to the Board of Directors any communications which shall be addressed to the Secretary of the Organization.
      attend to all correspondence of the Organization and exercise all duties incident to the office of Secretary
      perform other duties as assigned by the Board.

If you are interested, send a letter of interest addressed to the Board of Directors at info@shelterourpets.org.


Friday, May 10, 2013

A Meaningful Mother’s Day Gift


This Mother’s Day give a gift that helps preserve the bond between abuse victims and their pets.

Make a donation to Shelter Our Pets.

You can donate right through our site or mail a check to:
Shelter Our Pets
P.O. Box
West Milford, NJ 07480
Thank you for helping us protect animals of abuse victims.

*Photo courtesy Stacey Gammon Pet Photography http://www.staceygammon.com/

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Join Shelter Our Pets at the Public Spirit Showcase


Come meet Shelter Our Pets and other area nonprofit organizations, at the Public Spirit Showcase.  

Hear all about our mission, discover sponsorship opportunities and find out how to get involved!


April 24, 2013  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
3 Executive Boulevard
Suffern, NY 10901

Enjoy a festive evening of fun and refreshments as we celebrate all of the valuable work that the region's non-profit groups provide our communities. The Public Spirit Showcase spotlights over 30+ regional non-profit organizations, as well as offering attendees great networking opportunities.  We expect MANY non-members at this event.  The Crowne Plaza will offer an array of refreshments and a cash bar.  There will be plenty of doorprizes!  CELEBRATE SPRINGTIME!




Sunday, April 7, 2013

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Help us make a difference.




April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

Help us make a difference.


Everyday family pets are caught in the cycle of domestic abuse.
Shelter Our Pets will offer them a safe harbor.

Shelter Our Pets, is a new New Jersey nonprofit with the mission of providing temporary shelter to the pets of victims of domestic violence while they flee their abusive situations.  Our unique organization provides a specialized service, offering safe and loving care and shelter to pets of abuse victims, either with a foster family or at an area kennel, until they can be reunited with their owners.


We are asking for your support.  Just $10, $20, $50 or more will help us protect animals who may be subject to abuse, who are being threatened of being abused or simply cannot stay with the owner in temporary housing as they rebuild their lives.

Your donation will go directly toward Shelter Our Pets’ start-up costs, including funds for insurance, pet medical care, supplies, food and kenneling.

Donate online through Paypal or send us a check by mail to:  
Shelter Our Pets, 
P.O. Box 806 
West Milford, NJ 07480



Thank you for helping us protect the animals of abuse victims!

Serving the state of New Jersey and surrounding areas.


Read the Facts About Animals Abuse and Domestic Violence.








Thursday, April 4, 2013

Email Issues

Beginning in March, Shelter Our Pets experienced some email outages. If anyone tried to reach us at info@shelterourpets.org during this time, we apologize for any inconvenience.   We have made changes to our plan and our email service is restored.  Thank you for your understanding.



Monday, March 4, 2013

ANIMAL LOVERS FROM CONNECTICUT TO MAINE HELP RAISE MONEY TO PROTECT ANIMALS OF ABUSE VICTIMS IN NEW JERSE


Funds raised help a new charity get off the ground.

Shelter Our Pets Co-President, Laura Mann
Tastefully Simple Representative, Ellen DiVietro
Shelter Our Pets Fundraising Co-Chair, Miri Upton
Between November 21st and December 10th of 2012, Shelter Our Pets teamed up with Tastefully Simple Representative Ellen DiVietro to host an online catalogue party featuring Tastefully Simple’s culinary products. Funds raised are being used to help cover start-up costs for the organization.

Shelter Our Pets is an all-volunteer nonprofit corporation with the mission to provide a safe haven for the pets of victims of domestic violence who are fleeing their abusive situations. Shelter Our Pets assists people seeking safety from violence by providing alternatives to giving up a beloved pet, leaving a pet behind in an abuse prone environment or continuing to subject themselves and their pets to abuse.

Lynn Gregorski-Bosi, a Trustee of Shelter Our Pets met DiVietro at a Tastefully Simple party at a friend's house.  Gregorski-Bosi mentioned the launch of Shelter Our Pets to DiVietro.  "I told her that we were a new organization that needed to raise funds for start-up costs.  Ellen immediately said she would help us out," said Gregorski-Bosi.

“Lynn and I immediately clicked and I loved the concept of what she was doing with Shelter Our Pets. I knew immediately I wanted to help and be a part of it. I love fundraising and helping people with their causes,” says DiVietro.

Shelter Our Pets and DiVietro ran the event through Facebook as a virtual party. The event was huge a success. As a team, they were able to raise $210.96 over the span of twenty days. Supporters throughout the Northeast ordered from Tastefully Simple to help support the new organization.

"I am so grateful to Ellen for running this virtual fundraiser for us,” says Gregorski-Bosi.  Laura Mann, another Trustee of Shelter Our Pets expressed the importance of the proceeds, stating "The funds will enable us to move forward with laying the necessary foundation for our organization to proceed with its very important work helping victims of domestic violence and their family pets break free from their abusers.” Mann also expressed sincere gratitude to DiVietro, “Thank you Ellen and Tastefully Simple for all of your support and your wonderful products!”

Victims of domestic violence not only have to ensure their own well being when caught in an abusive situation, but also the well being of their pets. According to The American Humane Association, approximately 71% of women report that their pet has either been threatened or injured during instances of domestic violence. 

For more information about Shelter Our Pets you can visit www.shelterourpets.blogspot.com or call 973-506-9696.