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Cathy Nechak – Founder of Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals~ Portland, Oregon

“Cathy has personally taken on the medically fragile animals that would otherwise not have made it out of the shelter and found them the treatment they needed to recover and find a forever home. These cats and dogs are now a life time companion for families who took a chance on an adopted cat or dog. OFOSA would not be without Cathy and her husband Bill. I feel very fortunate to be a part of OFOSA and see the passion and dedication that Cathy has for animals every day.” Nominated by Cyndi - (OFOSA

Contribute to Cathy’s voting process by sharing a review after the article below.

Cathy started OFOSA in 2002 with a passion that few could match. She turned her home into the headquarters for OFOSA when there was no where else to go. Her tireless dedication to the animals and the over 300 volunteers is inspiring. OFOSA has saved over 2000 cats and dogs in the Portland metro area in 2008 and over 3000 in 2009.

Cathy is one of OFOSA’s founding members and has been involved with animal rescue for over five years. Her interest in rescue initially started by helping cocker spaniels but soon progressed to all breeds. Cathy is well versed in animal behavior and training and has volunteered with animal agencies for the last 10 years. She has worked as a registered nurse for approximately 20 years and is currently working to obtain her Certified Veterinary Technician license (CVT).

OFOSA is proud to be partnering with JOIN (www.joinpdx.com) to provide vaccinations, exams, urgent care, and spay services.

Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic

Animal overpopulation is an epidemic nationwide, especially in predominately rural states like Oregon. OFOSA has been working to make a difference in pet overpopulation by providing sterilizations for shelter animals we rescue, other shelter, small rescue groups, and JOIN.

How You Can Help

Donations are still needed to help with the cost of surgical equipment, supplies, and fuel. A donation from you of $20 will purchase sutures for 12 surgeries, a $75 donation will purchase vaccines, $300 will purchase a cautery unit and a $2,000 donation will purchase a surgical table. Please help OFOSA help YOUR community animal shelter. Donate today!

OFOSA hosts scheduled, low cost microchipping clinics through the guidance of a certified veterinarian. For only $35 includes registration, you can prevent your pet from becoming a tragic statistic. Watch the OFOSA and PETCO calendar for dates.

Senior Smiles

During these past years, we have come to the following two conclusions. First, there are a large number of animals destroyed due to a lack of adoptable families. Second, there are senior citizens who could benefit from pet ownership, but do not have the means to this end. While the primary benefits to animals are obvious – to place them in loving homes and keep them from being destroyed – the benefits to elderly persons are ten-fold.

In 1980, a clinical research project at Brooklyn College, New York, studied heart-disease patients after their discharge from the hospital. Co-researcher Dr. Aaron Katcher, M.D. reported, “The presence of a pet was the strongest social predictor of survival…not just for lonely or depressed people, but everyone – independent of marital status and access to social support from human beings.”

The author of a book, How Community-Based Elderly People Perceive Pet Ownership (New J., Wilson C., Netting F., 1986.) concluded, “Pets are an integral component of the social support network for many individuals and therefore probably contribute to public health and well-being.”

Our goal is to rectify these two conditions through our Senior Smiles program. This program promotes improved quality of living through pet ownership and assistance. In 2005, OFOSA received a $1000 grant from our friends at Wells Fargo to help launch our program. The placement process and continuing assistance will include not only the pet, but animal selection counseling, food, supplies, vet care, grooming, and training. Lastly, the commitment will be regular visits to assure the happiness and health of both the senior and animal. Call 503-747-7818 or e-mail us at info@ofosa.org, if you know someone that can benefit from this program.