2014 Accomplishments Report
Poodle Rescue of Houston
2014 was a huge year for Poodle Rescue of Houston.
Using the standardized format for tracking dogs received and their outcomes (one that is commonly
used in shelters and by pet-related foundations), we are pleased to report the following:
Dogs Received
On hand
1/1/14
Strays
66
Owner
Surrender
205
202
Transfer from
other Rescue
Orgs
511
Other
(Shelters,
Hoarders, etc)
0
Total Dogs
Received
984
Outcomes
Adopted
890
Returned
to Owner
4
Transferred
Out
0
Euthanized
(sickness or
aggression)
16
Died in
Care
2
Other
0
On Hand
12/31/14
72
Total
Outcomes
984
The adoption of 890 dogs to qualified adopters represents an astonishing 56% increase over 2013’s total
of 570 adoptions.
Revenues for calendar year 2014 from adoptions and donations totaled $282,110. Expenses totaled
$272,695.
Major Accomplishments

During 2014, Poodle Rescue of Houston (PRH) held several adoption events at Unleashed by
Petco and at PetSmart during July, August, September, November and December, which
provided direct adoption opportunities and also helped publicize PRH’s work.

PRH staffed a triple booth at the World Series of Dog Shows at the Reliant (now NRG) Center in
July, greatly expanding awareness for the rescue and our mission. We also staffed booths at Pet
Fest in Old Town Spring, the Pet Fest and Pet Blessing at the Good Shepherd Church in Tomball,
and the Fall Fair and Pet Blessing at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, Cypress.

During 2014, PRH rescued 24 pregnant dogs and found fosters, then adopters, for 89 puppies.
In two litters, the mama and puppies all had mange. They were successfully treated and
adopted.

PRH effected a mass rescue in July of 12 Yorkies, all of whom were successfully adopted out.
Three other mass rescues of Bichons and Poodle mixes occurred. All of them were adopted.

All 890 adopted dogs were spayed or neutered. All were tested for parasites, including
heartworm, and 98 dogs were treated for heartworm. This is a lengthy and somewhat costly
procedure, but PRH pulls many adoptable dogs from public shelters that would otherwise be put
down.

PRH volunteers held volunteer orientations every month, and initiated 186 new volunteers; a
significant increase over 2013. Volunteer groups included a Girl Scout Troop, the Cypress Creek
Key Club, and Cypress Woods High School Health Occupations Students of America.

Major renovations were begun for the kennels, continuing into 2015. This included adding
another isolation shed, creating an office space, and adding computer equipment. Handling
such high volumes of adoptions strained the physical resources, and both the buildings and
grounds were renovated to restore a sanitary and healthy environment, not only for the dogs,
but for the staff and adopters as well. Work included tearing out and replacing partitions,
regalvanizing kennel panels, and adding decked play yards for adopters.

Poodle Rescue of Houston also purchased and installed ShelterPro, a shelter-management
software program that facilitates tracking dogs. Staff and volunteers were trained on its use and
all current dogs input to “cut over” by year end.

The new volunteer bookkeeper installed a new version of Quickbooks and ensured all
transactions were entered, properly coded, and all accounts reconciled in the computer,
replacing a previously manual system. Reports are produced monthly tracking all expenses and
budget.

PRH held a 6-week grooming workshop in late fall and again in the winter of 2014, during which
participants were trained on basic protocols and techniques.

Lost dogs that were turned into PRH were reunited with grateful owners in 2 cases, and in
another case, donations were raised to help a veteran keep his dog with him.

PRH’s director captured, rescued, rehabilitated and adopted out 5 previously feral dogs.

In 3 separate cases, PRH gratefully accepted donations of food, cleaning supplies, and bedding
from young people ranging from 6-13 years who dedicated birthday parties to supporting the
rescue. In another case, a young lady collected for PRH for her Girl Scout Troop and donated the
proceeds. Twice, adults who had adopted from PRH returned with gifts of food and towels, etc.
to help support the rescue.

PRH also received contributions made through Kroger’s Community program, Walk-for-a-Dog,
and Unleashed by Petco. Additionally, contributions made by individuals were in some cases
matched by corporate community grant programs, such as Chevron, BP, ConocoPhillips, and
Halliburton.
Medical Interventions
There were several notable medical interventions during 2014. PRH spent $80,000 on veterinary
services, with 32 dogs’ treatment costs exceeding $500. Here are highlights of dogs nursed back to
health and successfully adopted out:
Danny (February) – a young dog with severe head and jaw injuries from blunt force trauma. Danny was
successfully operated on, nursed back to health, and fostered by a behaviorist who helped him
overcome fear issues. Danny was adopted by the trainer and is living a great life.
Fluffy Ann (February) – an older toy poodle, requiring surgery on her rear leg.
Dumplin (May) – a young stray with such severe mange that her tail became infected and had to be
amputated.
Hello Gorgeous (July) – had a “shell” with her coat completely matted, and underneath, a severe
puncture on her back.
Lizard – encased in mats, with flesh rotting on his leg.
Matty (July) – his forepaw was lacerated and swollen from matting of his hair.
Suzette (July) – had a broken pelvis, requiring 2 surgeries.
Funny Face (August) – required surgery on his hips.
Smoochy (August) – an emaciated, mangy and hairless dog that was nursed back to health.
Puddin (October) – an emaciated dog with worms and horrible mange who had been dumped and was
within a day of dying from dehydration. She was successfully rehabilitated back to health and adopted.
Santana (December) – had a severe neck wound.
Sadly, there were a few for whom it was too late:
Angelina Jolie, an emaciated dog who couldn’t put on any weight or keep food down.
Tippit, an emaciated dog who was near death when found, and who passed away a few days later
despite medical treatment.