Column: Why Nevada Humane Society Needs You

You would be surprised at the number of people that don’t know who we are or what we do. Yes, people use our name and adopt from us and talk about us, but many people confuse us with other non-profit groups. It’s a common challenge faced by all animal welfare agencies.

We consistently strive to educate our community so that we can overcome this challenge, but it’s not easy. We are nationally known, one of the top lifesaving shelters in the country and one of the safest places to be a homeless pet, but yet locals don’t even know that. It’s a battle we face every day.

Here are a few facts:
• The Humane Society of the United States — not us. We don’t receive funding from them nor do they govern us nor do they have any affiliation with us.
• Local groups, such as SPCAs or other shelters with the words “Humane Society” in their title — not us.
• Washoe County Regional Animal Services — through a contractual relationship, NHS and WCRAS share a building which has a very positive impact on the community lifesaving efforts. WCRAS provides the community with animal control services and NHS provides adoption and program services. Together, we work closely together to save lives.

Nevada Humane Society is a non-profit, 501c3, charitable organization providing care and finding homes for homeless pets. We are the largest and only open admission, no-kill shelter in the entire state of Nevada. Open admission, meaning we accept all animals that arrive from Washoe County and Carson City without judgement. We do not turn away animals based upon breed, age, size or look.

No-kill, meaning we do not euthanize animals for time or space. More than 93 percent of the animals who come into the Nevada Humane Society leave alive. Whether it takes a few days or a few weeks to find new homes, we are here for them.

Whether they are old or young, cute or ugly, we are here. Whether they have medical needs or not, if we can treat them and give them a healthy, happy, second chance at life we do it. If a situation arises and we find ourselves needing to take in dozens of animals at a time, we find a way to make it happen. This is lifesaving. This is Nevada Humane Society.

We are funded by people like you, people who give anywhere from $5 to $5,000. We have our own Board of Directors who guides the direction of the organization. We implement our policies, procedures and programs. In most shelters nationwide, what we do would not be possible. But we live in an amazing place, where when we are in need of help, you are there. When we call, you answer. When we fall down, you lift us up.

All of this is because of your support. Your donations, your desire to add a pet to the family, your wish to share our stories — our successes are your successes. Your kindness will help us save the lives of animals… just like Cocoa and Lacy. These two came to shelter after their person lost their home. Cocoa, a 13-year-old pit bull terrier, and Lacy, a 13-year-old Dachshund, had been together forever. It was not an easy choice for their person and it was sad. For everyone. We promised we would find them a home together… but how long would that take? How hard would this be?

Cocoa and Lacy were the typical grumpy old women. They had mobility issues, they were finicky, and they weren’t always receptive of attention. But we promised their person to find them a good family and keep them together so we did whatever it took. We took cute photos, promoted them on social media, and learned to get along with their timid personalities. A month later, they found love.

Cocoa and Lacy are proof that we accept anyone, that we don’t turn away for breed or size or appearance. They are proof that no matter how long they need to stay with us, we’re here. They are proof that no matter how much money we have to invest to find them a home, we’ll do it. Why? Because they deserve it.

As we near the end of 2015 your support is needed more than ever. We need you to help us by adopting those that may not be adoptable the day they arrive; your help in fundraising for their care; your help in believing that Nevada can become a lifesaving state.

Will you make a promise to donate today to Nevada Humane Society to help further our mission? Washoe County and Carson City would not be where we are today without Nevada Humane Society…. but we need your continued support to keep this up. With your support, we are here for the animals and they deserve the second chances we keep giving. Will you help us do that?

— Kimberly Wade is the Senior Manager of Communications and Events for Nevada Humane Society. She has been with the organization for nearly 6 years but has had a lifelong passion for animals. Kimberly lives with her husband, 3 cats (one pictured), 3 dogs and a fish.