Changes Coming in January

Changes Coming in January

Dec 20, 2023

As 2023 draws to a close, we are already looking forward and planning for growth in 2024. Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary has been serving the local community for over 35 years, and our Board of Directors feels it is time to expand our programs and services so that we can touch the lives of even more animals in the future.
 
Current visitors to the Sanctuary will notice preparations throughout the grounds for the new construction scheduled to begin in January 2024. Plans have been approved for an addition to the current main building that will include many upgrades and improvements, just one of which is advanced on-site medical treatment for animals. So…stay tuned to future Howlers and HallieHill.com to learn more about the exciting changes in the works for 2024 at Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary.
 
Have a wonderful December, enjoying the company of family and friends and, of course, your beloved pets. Don’t forget to check out our offering of holiday e-cards at HallieHill.com; it’s a great way to let your loved ones know you are thinking of them AND share that love with the deserving animals in our care.
Volunteer Spotlight: Josh Taber and Donna Gamble

Volunteer Spotlight: Josh Taber and Donna Gamble

Dec 14, 2023

Josh Taber and Donna Gamble are a dynamic duo who have been volunteering regularly on Sundays to clean and improve Hallie Hill’s beautiful cemetery, Angels’ Crossing. It is a big job to maintain Angels’ Crossing. Josh and Donna do the necessary maintenance, like trimming trees, leveling gravestones, and fighting the weeds. They have also added small flags to embellish the walkways and sturdy handmade benches where visitors can sit, rest, and reflect as they walk the winding paths through the peaceful wooded space. Josh and Donna’s generous donation of their time, energy, and unique skills has beautified this incredibly special place for everyone to appreciate.
 
We also have Donna to thank for the annual donation of her beautiful, handmade quilts, which we raffle to benefit the animals at the Sanctuary each November. This year, the raffle raised over $6,400 for the animals of Hallie Hill. We at Hallie Hill are so grateful and lucky to have volunteers with these unique talents to help make the Sanctuary a remarkable place for humans and animals alike. Thank you, Donna and Josh; we are blessed to have you as valued members of our Hallie Hill family.
10 Tips to Pet Proof Your Christmas Tree

10 Tips to Pet Proof Your Christmas Tree

Dec 8, 2023

With the festive holiday season here, the joy of decorating our homes for Christmas fills the air. While the twinkling lights and hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree bring warmth and cheer, it also presents a potential playground for our furry friends. As pet owners, we know the many challenges of keeping our dogs and cats away from the holiday decor.
 
In this blog, we will explore ten ways to pet-proof your Christmas tree, ensuring happiness, holiday spirit, and pet safety. From playful cats to mischievous dogs, we have creative solutions to help you enjoy the holiday season without toppled trees or tangled tinsel.
 
  1. Consider an artificial tree- With real trees; there are two main concerns: pine needles and chemical-laden water. As the pine needles fell, curious dogs could sniff and lick them to investigate. If swallowed, they pose a risk of puncturing the intestines. With the water to preserve a real tree, dogs could be tempted to drink from the water bowl. The water for the tree is collecting bacteria, but many people add chemical preservatives to it. We don’t want our dogs drinking that.
  2. Stabilize your tree- Make sure to use a sturdy base; you don’t want it tipping over. If you have a rambunctious canine or a kitty who may jump on the tree, consider anchoring the tree to the wall. You can do this by wrapping fishing wire, fine gauge wire, or even an old string of Christmas lights around the tree and securing it to an eyehook.
  3. Bare those branches- Some dogs and cats could care less about rearranged furniture and new home decor. If you have an anxious furbaby, put up your tree and wait a few days before adding and hanging lights and ornaments.
  4. Pass on edible ornaments- While certain foods make great ornaments, avoiding them is best if you have pets. Food on the tree may be tempting for them. So keep popcorn garland, candy canes, and other treats off the tree.
  5. Ditch the tinsel- Tinsel is so pretty, but if your curious pet is interested in the shiny stuff, you might want to skip it this year. It tends to shed loose strands, which can cause problems if your pet eats anything. If swallowed, tinsel can pose a serious threat to pets.
  6. Decorate with shatterproof ornaments- Happy wagging tails can get a little too close to the tree and knock ornaments down off their branches. To avoid a stressful situation and dangerous broken glass, choose shatterproof ornaments.
  7. Place breakable ornaments up high- If using glass, delicate, and sentimental ornaments, be sure to place them up high. Some may try to lick or paw at those sparkly ornaments dangling from the branches.
  8. Avoid holiday houseplants- Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and amaryllis should be kept out of your pet’s reach. If you decorate with them, switch to artificial versions.
  9. Tuck electrical cords- Electrical cords can be tempting to nibble and chew. Use a cord hider to keep wires hidden and tucked away.
  10. Save presents for Christmas morning- If you have a pup who would love to chew or mark your gorgeously wrapped gifts, it is best to keep them away until Christmas morning.
GivingTuesday: How To Help Hallie Hill On November 28

GivingTuesday: How To Help Hallie Hill On November 28

Nov 22, 2023

On GivingTuesday, November 28, we are accepting donations to help care for the 200-plus animals that call the sanctuary home. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement to help people and organizations transform their communities and the world. It is the beginning of the generosity season this year, inspiring people to give back on November 28 and throughout the year. Hallie Hill’s GivingTuesday 2023 fundraiser aims to raise $40,000.
 
Contributions made will provide essential funding for various expenses related to caring for our animal residents. This includes costs like microchipping, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, food, medications, utilities, and more.
 
Here is a detailed list of what some donation values can cover:
$10- microchip or vaccinate a dog or cat
$15- cover heartworm prevention for a month
$20 – feed a dog for a month
$50- spay or neuter a dog or cat
$100- purchases 100 days of arthritis pain medication for 1 senior dog
$500- treat a dog for heartworm disease
 
Those interested in joining our GivingTuesday initiative can visit https://www.facebook.com/donate/1364646607784787/345126688168098 to make a Facebook donation with no transactional fees or go to Classy at https://www.classy.org/campaign/giving-tuesday-2023/c530135. Thank you for your support this Holiday Season.
Thanksgiving Foods To Share With Your Dogs

Thanksgiving Foods To Share With Your Dogs

Nov 17, 2023

Thanksgiving is the time to be grateful and share a meal with those you love, including your pups. We know they will be begging for some snacks as you are cooking, and a lot of people food is not good for them, so here’s a list of Thanksgiving foods and ingredients you can share with your dog.
Pup Approved Thanksgiving Food:
  • Turkey (without the bones or skin)
  • Plain potatoes or sweet potatoes
  • Apples
  • Plain pumpkin
  • Plain peas
  • Green beans
  • Carrots
  • Bread
  • Cheese
  • Rice
  • Corn
Keep in mind that any new food may give your furry friends a rumbly tummy so make sure you all go for a good long walk after dinner. We hope you and your furry friends have a Happy Thanksgiving and celebrate all you are thankful for.
Volunteer Spotlight: Gerard DeCocker

Volunteer Spotlight: Gerard DeCocker

Nov 8, 2023

Gerard DeCocker is a volunteer in our ‘Barn Buddies’ program. He loves to visit with our barn dogs, especially Lolly, Edna, and Dixie. Gerry always brings a smile to our face, especially when he shows up with donuts for everyone to enjoy (except the dogs, of course!) Gerry brings a chair and sits in the stall with each barn dog while giving them lots of love, pets, brushes, and a few treats here and there! He also brings his personal leaf blower to help keep the sanctuary looking beautiful. We appreciate Gerry and are so grateful for his kindness and the love he shows the animals of Hallie Hill. Thank you, Gerry!