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Humane Society for
Hamilton County Raises Substantial Funds to Care
for
Unwanted and Abandoned Animals
Holiday Petacular surpasses organization’s expectations
Noblesville, Ind., November 25, 2008– The Humane Society
for Hamilton County raised more than $40,000 at its Tinsel &
Tails annual Holiday Petacular Thursday November 20 – almost
triple the amount raised at the event last year. Nearly 400
people attended the sold out dinner and silent auction,
which featured an emotional presentation showcasing some of
the year’s most memorable adoption stories. At the end of
the presentation, guests got to meet some of the cats and
dogs – many of whom had been the victims of abuse and
neglect – in person.
“Our need has never been greater,” said Humane Society for
Hamilton County executive director Rebecca Stevens. “It’s
hard enough to see the cases of abuse and neglect, but now
we have the added challenge of finding space and raising
funds to support the growing
number of pets being
surrendered by their owners during these difficult economic
times.”
Stevens was referring to the more than 50 percent increase
in owner-surrendered pets over the last 12 months as the
nation’s economy continues its downward spiral.
“National economic trends have reached Hamilton County,”
Stevens said. “What we’ve been seeing on the national news
is here, now, in our own backyard. Innocent animals need
someplace to go for food, warmth, medication and shelter
when their owners are no longer
able to care for them or no
longer want them, and we're here to take them in."
The money that was raised will be used for everything from
life-saving medications and surgeries to vaccinations,
heartworm treatments, and food and heat for the facility
which serves as both the animal control facility for
Hamilton County and the Humane Society for Hamilton County.
The facility, which has one of the lowest euthanasia rates
in central Indiana, receives approximately 40 percent of its
funding from Hamilton County. The rest is made up in private
donations, corporate sponsorships and fundraising events.
The Humane Society for Hamilton County, which currently has
more than 500 dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens will not
euthanize based on time in the shelter or for lack of space.
“We believe that every adoptable animal that arrives at our
facility deserves a second chance. The money we raised will
help us toward that goal,” added Stevens.
December will usher in the facility’s “Home for the
Holidays” month. During the month, certain dogs and cats –
most of whom have been at the shelter the longest – will
come with certain incentives in hopes they will be adopted
by forever families. The shelter's goal is to find homes for
200 dogs and cats in December.
“For moms and dads who have thinking about getting that
family pet, doing so during our
Home for the Holidays
promotion in December is the perfect time,” Stevens said.
“Not only
are they filling their home with love, they are
also saving a life. No gift is better than that."
To help it reach its goal, the shelter will have an
adopt-a-thon Dec. 20-21 from noon-9 p.m.
On those days, the
public will be able to bring their pets to shelter for
pictures with Santa. Newly adopted pets will also be able to
have their pictures taken. For photo times, or more
information, call the shelter at 317-773-4974, or log on to
www.hamiltonhumane.com.
About the Humane Society for Hamilton County
The Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) is a
non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. It is not a
United Way Agency, and is not affiliated with any other
animal
welfare group in the United States. The HSHC also
serves as the animal control facility for Hamilton County,
and, as such, receives partial funding from Hamilton County.
The majority of the HSHC budget is funded by private donors.
The HSHC will not euthanize animals for space and time, and
will treat sick and injured animals if there’s an outlook
for recovery and a high quality-of-life. Many animals are
hit-by-car injured, heartworm-positive, malnourished, or
otherwise wounded and/or sick. The HSHC will provide most of
these animals with life-saving treatments, surgeries and
medications as their best chance for a second chance and
until they are placed into forever homes.
The mission of the Humane Society for Hamilton County is
Saving Lives. Educating Communities. Completing Families.
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