What a busy few weeks we have had at Houlton Humane Society. In the last four weeks, we have adopted out 33 animals! That number is huge for us, as it’s the most adoptions we have had in several months. That is 33 animals who are waking up in homes, in beds with a loving family.
But as much as we celebrate this number, one that still makes us sad is 56. That is the number of animals we still have looking for homes. That is the number we need your help with.
In four weeks’ time, we were contacted by over 20 families, asking us to help them with their animals. They may have been moving, or having a baby or lost their home. Whatever the reason was, we offered to help. We have taken in 17 owner-surrendered cats and 11 owner-surrendered dogs in three weeks. These families had no one else to turn to, nowhere for their animals to go. They contacted us, their local shelter, and we helped them out. It’s what we do.
Most of these animals have already been adopted, as most come fully vetted and ready to go. We love the feeling of calling a family, who we promised to find a home for their loved one, and be able to tell them we did just that. Shelters are not just here for strays. We are here for owner surrenders, too.
Now, with this being said and the numbers above, it’s easy to see how we are still full. We take in strays every day from the towns that we service, sometimes two to three a night. We get excited when four go out the door, but come in the next day and five more have arrived. It’s a circle that, sadly, will never really change, but what we can change is how long they stay here.
We are broke; all shelters are broke. But we are waiving the fees for the sake of the animals. Yes, we lose money. But we would rather lose $35 than have them have to live in a cage. Free adoptions does not mean we are swimming in money, nor does it mean we do not care. It means we care more. It means we want them in homes, not our cages.
And speaking of money, we have a big fundraiser coming up on Sunday, Sept. 27 at Houlton Tire. It is called “Riding for Rescues” and is a bike ride and a car show. It starts at 10 a.m. There will be a barbecue and a bike rodeo to follow the ride.
We are truly grateful to the United Vets motorcycle club as well as Houlton Tire and my husband, Jon, for putting this on for us. It will be lots of fun, with food, music, bikes, and of course, some puppies. If you want to help us, but can’t necessarily adopt or volunteer, stop by this event and check it out.
Together, as a community, we make HHS strong!
Heather Miller is the executive director of the Houlton Humane Society.
