Join the humane race

Today I was fortunate enough to be escorted by Joe to the Nebraska Humane Society and Town and Country No Kill Shelter.

Nebraska Humane Society is the largest animal welfare shelter in NE state and takes in over 20,000 animals every year, comparable to The Lost Dogs Home. However, their facility is at least 3 acres and in the most part enclosed. There are several catteries, mostly open rooms where cats can play and interact together, 'get to know you rooms' where counsellors sit with potential owners and educate them about the pet they are about to adopt (or steer them away from their choice as the case may be), state-of-the-art dog pens and play areas, doggy day care which is another income stream, a gift shop, an auditorium, education centre, exercise and socialisation yards and of course a vet clinic just for the shelter animals. There are several volunteers working in most areas of the operation, public relations people, fundraisers, marketing staff and education officers. There is even a school camp program called Camp Kindness which teachers children from a young age how to interact and treat animals.

Joe and I met the CEO and had lunch with her and I was lucky enough to be invited back to spend a day with the PR, marketing and fundraising staff. We exchanged some great ideas on legislation, education of the community and responsible pet ownership.

One of the more encouraging aspects of this centre is that even if animals are old or have behavioural problems, they are given a chance at life. Old dogs are kept for long periods until adopted and timid or agressive dogs work with trainers to see if they will make assessment. The decision for euthaniasia is not just made by a vet, but three staff: a vet, behavioural specialist and the shelter manager. Quite different to Australia, black dogs, such as black labs, have trouble being adopted out because they are not 'novel' enough.

Town and Country Shelter takes in animals from other shelters which would otherwise be put to sleep. It is completely volunteer run and the lady who manages it carries on the legacy of her mother who established the shelter in 1982. She works a second job from 2am to 8am to pay the bills. That commitment and passion is rarely seen in any job.

That's all for now.

Lena