No one feels more strongly that our animals deserve the best we can give them more than the HSBC.  Last year, we created the Cat Adoption Center to improve the health and adoptability of our cats.  This year, we are undertaking the creation of the LaVigna Adoption Dog Adoption Center.  Named in memory of former Chief Humane Officer, Joni LaVigna, and designed with the support of Olsen Design Group Architects, it will redefine what a dog adoption center can and should be in our region.

 

But the animals "behind the scenes" need help, too.  That's why we're completely renovating our antiquated dog and cat holding areas to bring them into the 21st century.  We started this year with the overhaul of the HSBC's stray holding cattery.  With the help of Lowe's of Pottstown, we were able to transform the dingy existing room into a modern cattery with dedicated healthy stray holding space, sick isolation, and surgery recovery areas.  With the finishing touches going on now, it should be completed just in time for our December Howliday Open House. 

 

With improved lighting and ventilation and brand new "best industry standard" kenneling and flooring, the dogs waiting to go on the adoption floor, strays waiting to be found by their owners, or animals seized in cruelty cases will all be in a safe and healthy environment.  This huge project, to be completed in conjunction with the LaVigna Dog Adoption Center, is only possible because of the generosity of supporters like you.

 

We rely on individual donors to make these projects work.  The old funding sources of foundations and government just can't be counted on to fill the need.  If you have supported the 07/08 Kennel & Cattery Campaign, thank you!  If you have not, please consider doing so now.  If you are able to a little (or a lot!) more, consider making a year end gift of $1,000, $2,500, or more to support the Humane Society's animals and you can receive the naming rights for one of the Cat or Dog Adoption Centers' animal habitats.  You get the satisfaction of helping the animals and you get the tax benefits!  It makes a great gift!

 

 

 

 

 

As we close out 2007, we are saying goodbye and hello to some long-time friends at the HSBC.  You may only know Ray Melcher by name, but there's a good chance you recognize his image.  We've been using this Willow Street Pictures image of him and his adopted cat, Tristan, on our website, billboards and advertising.

 

Ray joined our board several years ago in a period of major change and upheaval and he brought his extensive for-profit and non-profit board experience to bear when we needed it most.  He helped the HSBC to make major strides going forward.  He joined us at a time of comparative freedom in his schedule, but his three businesses and umpteen other boards have called him away from us.  Their gain is certainly our loss.  As Executive Director, I cannot thank Ray enough for the time and service he has graced us with and I extend the thanks of the entire HSBC to him.

 

We are fortunate, however, to have a long time volunteer, Cheryl Renninger, and long-time donor and support, Melissa Eggert, joining our Board of Directors in January. 

 

Rather than saying hello or goodbye, I'll say, Aloha.