Lawrence Humane Society Update: June 16, 2011
Needing Your Help During a Challenging Time
The Lawrence Humane Society is requesting immediate assistance from the community to provide homes for cats and kittens. Recent surges in feline admission numbers have pushed current occupancy beyond the maximum level of our animal shelter. When the population at the shelter exceeds capacity, animals are at increased risk of illness and behavioral problems, and added pressure on resources begins to limit the ability to provide important services.
The animal shelter currently has more than 200 healthy adoptable cats and kittens. To help place them in homes more quickly, the organization is waiving all adoption fees (including spay/neuter fee) until our population stabilizes. Regular adoption eligibility requirements apply, and a refundable spay/neuter deposit will be required for certain animals not able to be altered before going home.
Cats make great pets for many reasons
Compared with other animals, cats are more self-sufficient and can be happy in a smaller living space. Studies have shown people with feline companions may experience reduced blood pressure, and kitties may even help fight depression and loneliness. And, as you know, you won't have to worry about mice! A selection of wonderful shelter cats may be found at our Web site or by visiting the shelter, 1805 E. 19th. Will you please share this message today with someone you know that could provide a loving home to one of these wonderful felines?
What Has Whiskers and Loves a Family?
Last week we asked this question, so did you figure it out? If you said "a cat," you are half right. Know what else has whiskers and loves a family? That's right: DAD! And to recognize and celebrate both cats and dads, we have a special weekend planned for Father's Day!
Father's Day Adopt-a-Thon: Saturday, June 18
We've set up special shelter hours and will be open 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Saturday. Come check out the recent improvements to our cat adoption area, "CAT-TOPIA", where fabulous felines are free to roam (and walk right into your arms). Our newly streamlined adoption process will help us make the perfect match for you ... and even allow for SAME DAY adoptions. Plus, just for coming to visit, you'll receive a free ice cream cone from Dairy Queen! Whoo-hoo!
Come say "hi" to Winky, the beautiful cat with only one eye.
The colony housing arrangement we call "CAT-TOPIA" was implemented after careful planning with a shelter veterinarian and input from an outside shelter consultant. Free of the cage, our cats now get to know a potential adopter in a more relaxed, home-like atmosphere where they can really lay on the charm. Colony housing also provides opportunity for greater activity such as climbing, perching, and social interaction.
Come see "CAT-TOPIA" for yourself!
The Perfect Father's Day Gift
Since you'll be at the shelter on Saturday, you'll have less time to shop. No problem! Dad has enough ties and cuff links for a lifetime, and he deserves something he'll really use – like this sporty T-shirt that nobody else can find in stores!
This unique shirt is sure to provoke discussion by asking the question: "Who's Your Daddy?" And in addition to making you look good, we hope it will provide a lot of interest in adopting cats this month. A gray and navy ringer, this shirt is FREE if you adopt a cat starting this Saturday. That's right – FREE! But we only have 100 of these, so don't miss your chance this weekend.
And we didn't forget about the dogs:
Total fees to adopt any of our dogs or puppies has been reduced to just $40 this weekend. In addition to the regular dog adoption space, our dog holding area will also be open to the public, so you'll be able to visit even more lovable pooches (and hopefully give them a home).
So there you have it. Come down this weekend and get a FREE ice cream cone, see our improvements, and pick up a FREE Father's Day gift (or just a unique t-shirt for yourself) by adopting a cat or kitten! Dogs and puppies are only $40 and also qualify for the FREE t-shirt. Remember the special hours Saturday are 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday the shelter will be open 12 to 4 p.m.
Organization News: Recruitment of Executive Director Position
The Board of Directors formed a recruitment committee earlier this spring to conduct a nationwide search for the Executive Director position at our animal shelter. Interviewing qualified candidates during the past two months, this committee recently identified a top candidate for further discussion. The candidate traveled to Lawrence this week for an interview with the Board of Directors and a meeting with a small group of individuals representing our key stakeholders in the community – volunteers, donors, government officials, and corporate sponsors. The feedback we've received has been great, and we are very excited about the future of the Lawrence Humane Society. An offer has not been made, but we'll provide updates as the recruitment process moves forward.
Thank YOU!
Thank you to everyone who donated items for this year's garage sale. With less time to prepare and receive items than in years past, we worried one of our largest fundraisers would be a scaled-back affair. But despite the shortened amount of planning time, your donations came pouring in, and we raised about $7,000 – surpassing our expectations! Special thank you to Megan and her team of helpers for everything they did to make this fundraiser a success.
Urgent Call for Supplies
The shelter is currently experiencing a severe shortage of critically needed supplies as a result of the large volume of animal intakes recently. If you can help, we REALLY need the following items ASAP: paper towels, blue Dawn liquid dish soap, laundry detergent, and bleach. Every donation, even just a bottle of soap here or a roll of towels there makes a big difference. Thank you so much!
Happy Father's Day!
– Lawrence Humane Society
www.LawrenceHumane.org
