Humane Society to expand services

Education, low-cost medical services, new programs among plans

Lake Humane Society marked an 80th anniversary in 2017 and shows no signs of slowing down this year.

In fact, the Mentorbased organization is launching a number of new projects and plans to expand its reach in 2018. Efforts will include: • New educational programs to help keep the community safe and strengthen the bond between pets and owners. Bite safety and prevention is a top priority for LHS, helping children learn how to greet an unfamiliar pet.

• Volunteer and foster programs will be expanding, as will the medical department, which will begin offering low-cost veterinary services and a community trap-neuter-return program to help control cat overpopulation in the community. Services will include rabies vaccines and microchipping.

“These services will be provided at low cost for households that otherwise may not be able to afford these services,” said Mandy Osborne, director of community outreach & development.

In addition to offering new programs, LHS has set lofty adoption goals for 2018. Staff would like to find homes for 1,500 pets — up more than 400 animals from 2017. These plans are in addition to putting on eight major events to raise awareness and funds for homeless animals.

“We are proud to say that 63 of the cats from the humane investigation case are now in loving forever homes with wonderful families. After many, many months of medical care and TLC, it was truly so rewarding to watch these pets leave the shelter and start the next chapter of their lives.” — Mandy Osborne, director of community outreach & development at Lake Humane Society

Counting the cost

Meeting these goals will require greater community contributions, Osborne said.

Last year, there was a high demand on resources for staffing needs and animal care. The costs to house and care for the animals increased by 13 percent — roughly $150,000 — absorbing the shelter’s monthly donations.

“This was a hardship for our organization and will cause us to start the year in a more difficult financial position than previous years,” Osborne said. “We need stronger financial support to move our lifesaving programs forward in 2018. By joining our Circle of Compassion program and giving a monthly donation, our community can help us expand our reach in Lake County in 2018.”

Circle of Compassion entails scheduling a recurring donation online.

Financial gifts are critical for continued medical care for animals.

“Whether it’s a litter of orphaned kittens in need of formula and vaccines or a dog that has been neglected and requires medical care and rehabilitation, these animals cannot have a second chance without the support of our community,” Osborne said. “Being a private, nonprofit organization, we run solely on donations, so every donation we receive helps to fund the care of the animals in our care.”

The shelter also seeks new volunteers on an ongoing basis. Top volunteer needs at this time are foster families, especially as “kitten season” approaches; cat care assistants; and shelter hosts, who assist at the front desk with customer service and the initial steps of adoption.

In 2017, 365 volunteers devoted 24,347 hours to the cause.

“That equates to nearly 12 additional full-time employees,” Osborne said. “We always welcome the help of new volunteers, and we are

even adding new positions to the volunteer program to help more animals and engage new volunteers.”

A new chapter

As of Jan. 25, LHS was caring for 224 pets, some of which are in foster homes. That number comprises 158 cats, 27 dogs, 16 rabbits and 23 small animals, including guinea pigs and rats.

One of the reasons for extra demands on LHS in 2017 was a large influx of felines at the end of 2016. The shelter took in more than 160 cats in the organization’s largest acquisition since its inception.

The animals were taken from Caroline’s Kids Pet Rescue, and the incident resulted in multiple court cases, which since have been resolved.

“We are proud to say that 63 of the cats from the humane investigation case are now in loving forever

BETSY SCOTT — THE NEWS-HERALD A Lake Humane Society volunteer tries to interest a cat named Fawks in a treat during some play time. Fawks is among the cats now up for adoption following a major rescue in November 2016.

BETSY SCOTT — THE NEWS-HERALD A volunteer coaxes a kitty into a different “pose” during a photo shoot for Lake Humane Society’s adoption page at lakehumane.org.