Think back to the many amazing changes that have taken place at Lenawee Humane Society in the past two years: a shelter remodel, outside dog kennels, a foster care program, music for our animals and other enrichment ideas, more fundraisers, a trap-neuter-return program, and even an on-site clinic. The ideas for these changes don't usually come from thin air – they come from networking through educational conferences where we can remain up to date with current practices and ideas. There are big changes happening in the Animal Welfare Community and we want you to know that your shelter is a part of them.
Keeping up with current practices and ideas allows us save more animals. In fact, our adoption numbers jumped from 548 in 2013 to 725 in 2014! Our average length of stay dropped from 42.3 days in 2013 down to 29.9 days in 2014. It's unusual for an animal to remain with us for over a month now. These changes are making a huge impact and we are ecstatic to know that more lives are being saved.
One special life we've saved goes by the name of George. George is a seven year old diabetic feline who appeared on our doorstep in October of 2014. He sent his Flat-George version of himself on a week long journey to New Orleans, LA, where the annual Animal Care Expo was being held. This international conference, put on by the Humane Society of the United States, hosted many workshops, exhibit booths, and networking opportunities and grant opportunies for Lenawee Humane Society staff members to take advantage of.
Flat-George traveled through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and finally Louisiana in order to reach his final destination in the Big Easy.
Workshops attended brought new ideas that we can't wait to implement for our intake process, behavior modification program, our volunteer program, our TNR program, and especially the Hope Clinic. Our focus this year will be helping keep pets out of the shelter in the first place and in their homes, where they belong. A new movement, often referred to as the "Safety Net" throughout this conference, will be implemented at Lenawee Humane Society through resources for struggling pet parents. Sometimes your wallet isn't as full as your heart, and that's okay.
Flat-George took advantage of the beauty of New Orleans, a city that has been resilient even through the immense destruction of Hurricane Katrina. In this city, people cherish their pets because most remember what it is like to be ripped away from them. They embody our belief that a true parent is defined by their heart and not their wallet. A dog doesn't care about your situation as long as he can be by your side. The same can be said for cats, especially the 23 year-old persian mix and her granddaughter we met in a tiny shop on Bourbon Street. Although the door stood wide open to the festivities of the street outside, these two creatures took delight in remaining inside, helping run the shop with their sweet owner.
Lenawee Humane Society is proud to embrace new cultures, new ideas, and new people. As our shelter grows, we become not only a resource for displaced pets, but for displaced spirits.
Flat George's final stop in New Orleans was Villalobos Rescue Center. Those of you familiar with the television show, Pitbulls and Parolees, will recognize Earl and Sui. LHS staff members had a wonderful time meeting the dogs residing at this sanctuary and sharing rescue stories and ideas with the people who care for them. Meeting people from around the country who share the same passion as us help renew our strength as we follow this difficult but rewarding mission through its ups and downs.
View some of the amazing sights and some of the things Flat-George learned below. If you're interested in taking Flat-George with you on your next adventure, click here. All donations from Flat-George's adventures allow us to help other special needs pets just like him.
