Cedar Valley Humane Society Accepts 15 Dogs from Sac County

January 31st, 2012 by Cedar Valley Humane Society

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (January 25, 2012)— The Cedar Valley Humane Society accepted 15 Cocker Spaniels from the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Iowa today. The dogs were part of a rescue operation conducted by the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Iowa and Sac County officials. A total of 88 dogs, mostly Cocker Spaniels, were removed from deplorable conditions at a property in Sac County.

Bob Citrullo, executive director of the Cedar Valley Humane Society, and Lyndee Fuessley, animal care supervisor, transported the 15 Cocker Spaniels from Des Moines to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

“We’re happy to provide assistance to the ARL,” says Citrullo. “Taking in 88 animals at one time can cause a strain on resources for any organization, so when the ARL asked us if we could provide additional shelter, we were more than happy to help.” Citrullo adds that the call came at a good time for the Cedar Valley Humane Society, because the shelter currently has several open kennels.

“The welfare of the animals is obviously our top priority,” says Citrullo. “Our immediate goal is to make them clean and comfortable and take care of whatever their medical needs are.” All of the dogs will be examined for medical issues and treated as necessary. More information will be available after the animals’ health has been assessed.

To help these dogs, the Cedar Valley Humane Society is seeking monetary to help cover their ongoing veterinary expenses. Donations can be made at www.cvhumane.org or mailed to the Cedar Valley Humane Society, 7411 Mount Vernon Road SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52403.

The goal is to make the Cocker Spaniels healthy and ready for adoption when the time comes, says Citrullo. Currently there are 15 dogs already available for adoption at the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

ESP International Wraps up Year

January 31st, 2012 by Cedar Valley Humane Society

ESP International wrapped up their partnership with The Cedar Valley Humane Society by donating another $1,500 to the nonprofit organization. At the beginning of 2011, the employees of ESP International chose the Cedar Valley Humane Society as the ESP Charity of the Year.

At January’s staff luncheon, Jeff Hamilton, president and CEO of ESP International, presented Executive Director Bob Citrullo with a check to support the homeless animals at the shelter.

Throughout the year, the staff at ESP International held friendly competitions between departments to collect donations for the fund. They also attended several of our fundraising events. The ESP team was the top team fundraiser for Woof Walk.

ESP International has been serving the OEM market for over 40 years. ESP is a global and domestic supply chain specialist for seals, rubber products, plastics, cast and forged metal product.

Holiday Spirit Benefits Homeless Animals

January 11th, 2012 by Cedar Valley Humane Society

We had a tremendous outpouring of community support this holiday season. Here are just a few people who came forward and donated to our shelter sweeties.

Ten-year-old Jordan Sanders held her second annual holiday fundraiser for to support the animals at the Cedar Valley Humane Society. Jordan baked four kinds of treats and sold them to family, friends, and co-workers. The yummy flavors and festive holiday packaging made them a huge hit! She raised more than $300 to donate to the animals. For last year’s fundraiser, Jordan designed and created Christmas tree ornaments.

Rebecca Moehn, Jesse Bevins, and Grant Beck enlisted the help of friends, family, and co-workers to collect blankets for our shelter dogs. In just two weeks, they had collected 50 fleece blankets! The blankets will help make the dogs a little cozier in 2012.

Employees at Rockwell Collins collected food, treats, toys, and other goodies to give to our shelter sweeties. They also made a thoughtful monetary donation.

A HUGE thanks to these kind folks, as well as everyone else who kept our shelter sweeties in their hearts this holiday season. Our animals surely do benefit from your generosity!

Executive Director Bob Citrullo Debuts on Tail Waggin’ Wednesday

October 6th, 2011 by Cedar Valley Humane Society

Executive Director Bob Citrullo makes his first local television appearance on KFXA’s Tail Waggin’ Wednesday. Wess, a German Short-Haired Pointer mix, was more than happy to accompany him. Watch the video.

Bob Citrullo Named Executive Director of Cedar Valley Humane Society

September 29th, 2011 by Cedar Valley Humane Society

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (September 29, 2011)— Bob Citrullo has been named the new executive director of the Cedar Valley Humane Society. He began his duties on September 2.

Citrullo relocated from Baton Rouge, LA, where he was executive director of Cat Haven, a nonprofit feline shelter. Since retiring from the U.S. Army, Citrullo held leadership positions at the Humane Society of South Mississippi in Gulfport; the Arizona Humane Society in Phoenix; Boggs Mountain Humane Shelter in Clayton, GA; and the Ruth Steinert SPCA in Schuylkill County, PA. He also successfully operated his own dog boarding and grooming facility in Pine Grove, PA, for seven years.

“We are extremely pleased to have Bob Citrullo at the helm. The breadth and depth of his experience will be invaluable in continuing the forward momentum of this organization,” says Bernie Lettington, president of the Cedar Valley Humane Society’s board of directors.

In his previous positions, Citrullo established a variety of programs to educate and promote responsible pet ownership, spaying and neutering of pets, adoptions of animals and reduce the need for euthanasia in the community.

“While at the Arizona Humane Society, I was responsible for placing over 23,000 animals with adoptive families each year,” says Citrullo. “I’m very excited to be using my shelter management and animal welfare knowledge to benefit the homeless, abused, and neglected animals of Linn County. Together, with the members of this community, we will be able to make a positive and sustainable difference in the lives of these animals.”

Citrullo holds a nursing degree as part of his military service. He is a member of the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators and the American Humane Association. He and his wife, Debbie, share their home with two Basset Hounds, Gunner and Ivy.