Elizabeth Flum is our 2026 photo contest winner

This year’s Garden Tour included a first-ever photo contest. Participants sent us their pics of gardens on the tour. There were 61 photos submitted, and the winner was chosen by the Athens Art Guild. The winning image was taken by Elizabeth Flum. It’s a lovely shot of the koi pond in the Amesville garden of Gary Goosman and Mary Ann Westendorf.

The photo is being framed by Art Park Custom Framing, and will be displayed at the Athens Art Guild. In an upcoming issue of this Bulletin, we’ll let you know when it’s ready to view!

2026 Garden Tour Photo Contest winning photo by Elizabeth Flum. 

Caring for caregivers

Compassion fatigue is a very real part of animal welfare and it can affect all of us, regardless of our role or how directly we work with animals.

Whether you’re cleaning kennels, answering phones, transporting animals, fostering, working on humane cases, fundraising, helping at events, doing administrative work, or simply supporting ACHS behind the scenes, you are part of a mission that regularly exposes us to trauma, suffering, difficult decisions, and loss. Even when we aren’t providing hands-on animal care, the emotional weight of this work can accumulate.

Building resilience means learning to recognize when we’re carrying too much, giving ourselves permission to step back, and knowing that asking for support is a strength, not a failure.

Taking care of ourselves helps us continue taking care of the animals, their people, and one another.

The ASPCApro has put together some excellent resources on compassion fatigue, resilience, and creating trauma-informed animal welfare environments. We encourage everyone, regardless of your role with ACHS, to take a few minutes to explore them.

Thank you for everything you give to this organization and to the animals and people of our community. Your well-being matters to us, too. 

Benedict & Simon

Benedict and Simon came to us as tiny babies this winter alongside their mom. They are the last two of their litter still waiting for their forever homes!

These sweet boys are playful, loving, and full of puppy charm. They would make wonderful companions and are ready to find families of their own. 

Gayle

Pretty girl Gayle has some really unique markings and adorable little white feet. She loves to explore and check everything out in her space. Gayle seems pretty chill and is about 1 year old. 

Bennie

Bennie is about 15 weeks old and is the brother to Violet and Jessie. They all survived PanLuek like champs but little Bennie does have a wobble now. It’s cute and it means he won’t jump up on your counters. Think of the names you could come up with – weebles wobble but they don’t fall down.



He loves to be held, purrs when you look at him and loves toys.  

Violet

Oh my, Violet is sure to capture your heart. She fought Panluek and WON. She is 15 weeks old and purrs every chance she can get.

She and her siblings are full of kitten antics and Violet leads the pack, jumping onto high spaces and running around like the devil’s after her. She will meet you at the door, sleep with you if you let her (please let her) and follows you from room to room.

You can’t go wrong with Violet. She would love another kitten (maybe one of her siblings?) or a cat to play with and we think she would adjust to most any household with proper acclimation and introductions. 

Cain

Cain is our longest resident, and more than anything we want to see him find a home of his own. He’s safe and loved in a foster home, but still waiting for the forever family he’s never had.



When Cain first came to us, it was clear he hadn’t known much kindness. He had spent much of his life chained outside, without the comfort every dog deserves. 

Even then his loving, excited personality was waiting to shine. With time, care, and the support of his foster family, Cain has completely come into his own: he’s affectionate, eager, and full of life. He gets excited to see his people, leans in for attention, and has fully embraced the joys of indoor living (especially cozy blankets).

Cain would do best in a quiet home with no other animals, where he can truly relax and feel secure. He has so much love to give and has been waiting far too long for someone to give him a chance.

He has waited longer than any dog should. It’s his turn.

If you are interested in adoption submit an application to athenshumane.org/adopt.

This Bulletin is put together by ACHS volunteers Kate Erlewine and Tom Erlewine, with information from Mary Connolly, ACHS Executive Director. 


Please send comments and suggestions to info@athenshumane.org. 


The Athens County Humane Society isn’t part of, or funded by any national organization. We’re just local volunteers here to help animals. 
We’ve been doing this work in Athens County since 1910.


We provide the county’s only response team for cases of animal abuse and neglect. 

We care for abandoned animals, paying their vet bills, finding them shelter in foster homes, and adopting them into forever homes. 


Your support for ACHS gives immediate aid to suffering animals in Ath-ens County. We need your help!



Donate to ACHS


Volunteer with ACHS