Turning Heartbreak to Hope | We're heading into the final stretch of 2022! We would like to take a look back at the year so far and thank you all for your amazing support of our mission here at HSSV. Together, we're doing amazing work to advocate for animals in need. We realize there is still so much more that needs to be done, but we also know, with your help, we're rising to the challenge! | |
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On September 2nd, 2022, HSSV took in over 100 dogs on an emergency basis due to an animal neglect cruelty criminal case. While we can’t give many details about this situation at this time, we can say the condition they were in was abysmal; it is awful and heartbreaking. But all is not lost! With the help of law enforcement, the amazing staff of HSSV, and an overwhelming amount of support from our generous community, we are making a difference!
Since they arrived at our shelter, we have seen the community respond by offering much-needed donations and their time as volunteers to feed, clean, medicate and groom these little furbabies in need. While the need is still great, we are full of hope that we can continue to turn things around for these canines and give them a second chance at a brand new life full of love and all the good things they deserve after enduring such unimaginable hardship.
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541 adoptions processed so far in 2022.
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186 pets were reunited with their families.
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Roughly 65 families a month have been helped by our low-income pet food bank.
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We have helped numerous low-income families with spay and neuter services, resulting in 34 pet being altered through this program so far this year.
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We were able to help 5 families afford veterinary bills so far this year.
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10 Dogs from Texas rescued through our transport program.
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2022 Anne Jackson Memorial Walk | |
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Support the Humane Society of Skagit Valley by participating in this fun virtual fundraiser for the whole family! The Virtual Walk-a-thon and Deputy Anne Jackson Memorial Walk is an annual fundraiser to raise community funds to support our mission at HSSV. Anne Jackson, a great friend and supporter of HSSV, was killed in the line of duty in 2008. You can read more about her here.
HSSV conducts this Memorial Walk in her honor every year. It’s a great way to show your support for needy pets while honoring the memory of a fallen hero who was a great advocate for animals.
Once you’ve registered for the walk, you will be taken to a link where you can create your pledge page. Fill it out, share it around, and start collecting those pledges between now and September for the chance to win some amazing prizes. Walk in your yard. Walk around the block. Walk on your treadmill. Walk on one of the many beautiful trails in the valley. Where ever you decide to walk on the 24th of September, just be sure to send us pictures to share with like-minded animal lovers such as yourself. Now, what are you waiting for?
Register now at https://skagithumane.org/2022walk/ and let’s do this!
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Pandemic Pets Present Special Challenges | |
The above photos are of pets that have come into our shelter so far in 2022. Millions of Americans who welcomed pets into their homes since the first shutdowns in March 2020 are facing shocks to their household budgets and logistical challenges as they make preparations to return to work and social activities in person. More than 23 million American households — nearly 1 in 5 nationwide — adopted a pet during the pandemic, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Now, facing economic uncertainty and a return to life in public, new pet parents are dealing with undersocialized dogs and challenges with their budgets. That means an increase in pets being surrendered to shelters - and HSSV is no exception. We're seeing a lot of undersocialized dogs that need extra support and care to get them adoption-ready. Our staff and volunteers are working hard to turn it around for these dogs. Additionally, we offer free pet behavioral counseling to help pet parents deal with the challenges of undersocialized dogs in an effort to allow those pets to stay in their homes. It's been a challenge for us all, to be sure, but it's important work and we believe in it with our whole hearts. Your support of our programs helps us to continue these lifesaving measures.
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Working in conjunction with Pet-Transport Group Archangel Animal Rescue, HSSV took part in rescue efforts to fly dogs from a shelter in Texas to various shelters in Washington State. The rescue operation was designed to help alleviate overcrowding and challenging adoption conditions at Garland Animal Services in Garland, Texas. HSSV is proud to have taken part in this life-saving mission. We ended up taking in and adopting out five of these dogs in the process. | |
If you’re looking for a way to help animals, consider fostering! It’s an experience like no other. There’s a foster out there for just about any situation or lifestyle. It can be as simple or involved as you like. All you need is a little patience, a little space, and a lot of love. We are blessed with some amazing foster families. These families take in our most vulnerable little guys and offer them a safe and loving environment until they are ready for adoption. This is no small task - our neonatal babies demand care every 2 to 4 hours on average. We currently have 22 active fosters spread out across five families at this time. We would like to shout out The Bishops, Katherine Hall, Josh Anderson, Sarah Jones, and Rosemary Bilal - our current foster family rockstars. We could always use more families, so if you're interested, please apply today at www.skagithumane.org/foster. We'll get you trained up, and then you'll be on call for when the need arises. It's challenging but rewarding work. | |
Volunteer Spotlight: Deborah Gohrke
In this issue, we would like to shine the spotlight on volunteer extraordinaire Deborah Gohrke. Deborah has been super consistent and dedicated to walking our dogs on a regular basis - at least 3x a week - and has participated in several HSSV events as well. She's a super supporter who is always willing to lend a hand, and she always has a great attitude. Thank you, Deborah, for being such a great animal advocate and friend to HSSV! We appreciate you!
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Our Unsung Hero in this issue is staff member Veronica Calderon.
Veronica started with HSSV back in 2009 as a Kennel Attendant. After ten years of excellent service in the background, she moved to the front of the building after being promoted to Receptionist in 2019. Her firm but friendly manner at the front desk is an integral part of our daily operations. Never one to rest on her laurels, Veronica sought out additional opportunities and added the Volunteer Coordinator position to her resume in 2022. A quick learner, Veronica is dedicated and committed to seeing the animals, staff, and volunteers of HSSV succeed in a big way!
The Humane Society of Skagit Valley greatly appreciates every long hour and extra mile - of which there have been many - Veronica has given for the betterment of our shelter.
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Community Support Keeps Us Going Strong | |
Many area businesses, organizations & individuals continue to show us some love. We'd like to thank the following for their amazing and generous support : | |
Community Focused - Community Supported | |
We are supported almost entirely by community donations. That's why our annual fundraisers are so important. Thanks to all those who participated so far this year. | |
3 More Easy Ways to Support HSSV | | |
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Amazon Smiles - Shop Amazon and HSSV will receive by donation 0.05% of your purchase. Click here to visit Amazon and search for Humane Society of Skagit Valley to choose us as your charity to support.
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While the past three years have been challenging, we are proud to continue to rise to meet those challenges. We take very seriously our mission to be a voice for the most vulnerable among us. Through our many programs and services, we will continue to advocate for animals in Skagit Valley and beyond, and we hope we can continue to count on your support! | | |
Humane Society of Skagit Valley
18841 Kelleher Road, Burlington WA 98233
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