(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.)
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 477 additional animals:
- 269 dogs and puppies
- 208 cats and kittens
We adopted 474 animals into new homes:
- 288 dogs and puppies
- 186 cats and kittens
2009 NUMBERS
We took in 675 additional animals:
- 341 dogs and puppies
- 334 cats and kittens
We adopted 571 animals into new homes:
- 333 dogs and puppies
- 238 cats and kittens
2010 NUMBERS
We took in 1109 additional animals:
- 833 dogs and puppies
- 276 cats and kittens
We adopted 934 animals into new homes:
- 264 dogs and puppies
- 433 dogs and puppies to Rescue Waggin
- 14 Returned to Owner
- 223 cats and kittens
Spay/Neuter Program:
From 2006 - 2010, our veterinary staff (Drs. Gail Counts, executive director, Angela Sherman, Julie Bilchak and Naomi Dean) spayed or neutered approximately 2,141 dogs and puppies and 3,389 cats and kittens. So far in 2011 we have spayed/neutered 563 cats and dogs. Our total is over 6,000 in just 4 1/2 years. Many pets belong to low-income families who pay only $15 per animal.
Staff:
We have a full-time administrator, one full-time veterinary technicians, part-time office manager, part-time kennel/maintenance supervisor, and one other full time kennel personnel. Several people volunteer their valued services daily or weekly. Sierra's is one of Job and Family Services largest employers.
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)
- Fundraiser's such as yard sales and raffles
- Pot ‘O Luck dinner and auction
- United Way (spay/neuter program)
- Scioto Foundation
- Portsmouth Eagles Aerie #4285
- Marting Foundation
- PetSmart Charities
- DJ&T Foundation/Bob Barker
- Ohio Pet Fund
- William & Charlotte Parks Foundation
- Kenneth Scott Foundation
- Greg Biffle Foundation
- Ms Joan Scherer
- Many local individual donations
Sierra's Haven is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Access to GuideStar's basic service is available for free. To view our recent 990 forms, just click on the GuideStar logo.
Sierra's Story
80 Easter Drive
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
Phone: (740)353-5100
HOURS:
MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM TO 4PM
SUNDAY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
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
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.
