Speech Outline for Project 2

PREPARATION OUTLINE

NAME: _Julie Rees_ SECTION: _WRD110-010_TITLE OF SPEECH: _Anderson County Humane Society_

Introduction

I. Attention Catcher: (something to get the audience’s attention – fact or humor) – Last year 499 dogs and 430 cats were taken in by the Anderson Humane Society and Anderson County Animal Control according to AHS Director Donna Callahan.

II. Listener Relevance Link: We are all touched by pets. Whether we have pets ourselves or have friends or family members that have had their lives improved by a constant companion.

III. Speaker Credibility: I have been an Anderson Humane Society volunteer for over a year and previously volunteered at the Franklin County Humane Society. I currently have two adopted dogs and one adopted cat and three rescued feral cats.

IV. Thesis Statement: The Anderson County Humane Society is a vital resource for the animals and people of Anderson County.

V. Preview: Through joint efforts with Anderson County Animal Control, the Anderson County Humane Society provides services such as animal relocation, veterinary bill assistance, and community support while on a limited budget provided solely through private and corporate donations.

Transition: The Anderson Humane Society has the capacity for up to 20 dogs and 24 cats inside their facility. With overflow housing at Anderson Animal Control, this capacity can be double when needed.

Body

I. First Main Point – According to Donna Callahan, AHS Director, in 2014, 360 dogs and 191 cats were either returned to owners, sent to rescues, or adopted from the Anderson Humane Society and Anderson Animal Control.

Listener Relevance Link: These animals included strays and owner turn-ins that would otherwise be on the streets, getting into your garbage, and hiding around your house for shelter.

A. “Private humane societies focus on animal welfare and view their shelters as refuges for companion animals” (Shore, 105)

B. Subpoint: Dogs and cats can be adopted for less than the amount to cover their veterinary care. This increases the chances of animals being adopted as they are less expensive than pets offered from breeders and pet stores.

C. Subpoint: Some animals go to rescues and other pet adoption facilities.

1. Sub-Subpoint: There are several breed specific rescues that have the resources to find homes.

2. Sub-Subpoint: Incredibly, some pet adoptions facilities cannot keep up with demand and rescue animals from more overpopulated shelters.

Transition: The best way to keep animals from needing rescue is to increase overall health and reduce population growth.

II. Second Main Point: The largest part of AHS’s budget goes toward veterinary care. This care is for animals both inside and outside the facility.

Listener Relevance Link: Spay and Neuter Programs help keep animal populations in check while improving the health of the animals themselves.

A. Subpoint: All animals are vaccinated and spayed/neutered before adoption/rescue.

B. Subpoint: The humane society also offers assistance with vet care to the community.

1. Sub-Subpoint: Spay/neutering vouchers can be purchased for as little as $25 to county residence.

2. Sub-Subpoint: Every May, a rabies clinic is offered in cooperation with the local health department.

Transition: Vet care isn’t the only community assistance offered.

III. Third Main Point: AHS is currently working on a program to help senior citizens foster and care for pets during hospital stays.

Transition: AHS does all of this with a very limited and fluid budget

IV. Fourth Main Point: AHS is a 501(3)c non-profit organization. They do not receive any government funds and depend entirely on corporate and individual donations.

Listener Relevance Link: Limited budget means limited ability to meet mission

A. Subpoint: A small portion of AHS donations come from companies such as Wal-Mart and Petco.

1. Sub-Subpoint: Most companies set aside funds to support local organizations. These funds tend to be spread over several groups thus limiting the amount that can go toward one charity.

2. Local businesses allow use of their space for fundraisers and adoption events.

B. Subpoint: Donations from individuals make up the majority of resources.

1. Sub-Subpoint: Supply drives are held when items such as food are running low.

2. Sub-Subpoint: Monetary donations are collected through fundraisers and donation drives. Special events are held throughout the year in cooperation with local business to raise awareness of the needs of AHS.

3. Sub-Subpoint: Though AHS has a handful of paid employees, most work is done through volunteers. Volunteers clean the holding areas and work the supply drives and special events.

Conclusion

I. Restatement of Thesis: Anderson Humane plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of life for pets and pet owners given limited funding and resources.

II. Summary of Main Points: They do this through finding new homes for as many animals as possible, reducing the number of animals able to reproduce, and providing community support to help keeps owners and pets together.

III. Clincher: Last year 499 dogs and 430 cats were taken in by the Anderson Humane Society and Anderson County Animal Control. 360 dogs and 191 cats were either returned to owners, sent to rescues, or adopted. That means factors including poor health, aggressive behavior, and, unfortunately, limited resources resulted almost 28% of these dogs and over 55% these cats being euthanized.

References

Callahan, Donna. Personal Interview. 16 Mar 2014

Shore, Elsie R., et al. “Characteristics of Animals Entering an Animal Control or Humane Society Shelter in a Midwestern City.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 4.2 (2001): 105-115. Print