This article was featured in WYDaily on 1/27/23.

Hearts for Homeless Pets are starting to fill the Adoption Center of The Heritage Humane Society with love. The bright pink and red paper hearts, inscribable with the names and messages of sweethearts (two legged or four legged) are transforming the lobby. Everyone is welcome to purchase hearts now through Valentine’s Day.

With Hearts for Homeless Pets, people can choose to include a name or a sweet message to go on the heart. They can also dedicate their heart to an adoptable pet at shelter.

Hearts are a $10 or more donation each. There are different types depending on whether the heart is being purchased to include a special name (could be a pet lover or a pet) or message or if it is being dedicated to an adoptable shelter pet. The hearts can be purchased now through Feb. 14, 2023, through the Hearts for Homeless Pets Facebook event, online, or in person at the shelter from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the Hearts for Homeless Pets directly support the adoptable pets dreaming of their forever homes at Greater Williamsburg’s largest animal shelter. This love-themed event is spearheaded by the HHS Auxiliary. The idea of HHS Auxiliary Volunteer Amanda Ibrahim, she and her mother share in handwriting the names and messages on each heart.

“The Hearts for Homeless Pets Campaign had a successful inaugural year last year! This fundraiser raises awareness of the needs of homeless pets in our community,” shares Amanda Ibrahim, Heritage Humane Society Auxiliary volunteer and founder of the Hearts for Homeless Pets event. “Donations provide critical funding for food, medical needs, and care for animals waiting for their forever homes. Help us celebrate the love of pets with your donation; and, if you’re looking for a loving, adoptable pet, stop by and find true love today.”

The goal is to cover the lobby in hearts. Every year, an average of 1,500 homeless animals are cared for within the shelter with another 1,200 area pets cared for through its Kibble Kitchen & Beyond, a community outreach program that keeps pets with their families.

The continuous work, initiatives, and talent by the Heritage Humane Society Auxiliary, or HHS Auxiliary, such as the Hearts for Homeless Pets, help support the busy shelter. There are currently 60 HHS Auxiliary members and new members are welcome. They meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 10:15 a.m. in the Heritage Humane Society classroom.

Guess the Conversation Hearts

While the Hearts for Homeless Pets is in its second year, The Heritage Humane Society is also calling on a Valentine’s classic – Conversation Hearts. A fond childhood memory for many, the flavored confections with messages like “CALL ME,” “I LUV YOU,” and “I’M YOURS,” and “CUTIE PIE,” are a part of a contest at The Heritage Humane Society.

There is a guessing jar filled with the sweet treats in the front lobby. A $5 donation earns one guess and a $10 donation earns three guesses. The winner will receive a $50 Target gift card and a $50 Movie Tavern gift card. The winner will be drawn and contacted on Feb. 15, 2023.

Pets in-need of a fur-ever home

The Heritage Humane Society has almost 200 adoptable cats, dogs, and small pets hoping to find their forever families. Here are a couple who are eager to no longer be homeless.

• Evie. At eight years young, this sweet girl is looking to settle down for her golden years. This gal has plenty of pep in his step and she is incredibly engaging and gentle. Evie even has a funny trick she likes to play. When you make funny sounds, she plays “Peek a Boo” with her ears — up, down, up, down. up, down.

• Horacio. At two years of age, this boy knows how to be the life of the party! Horacio might just be the happiest dog you’ve ever met. This certified wiggler of a guy pretty sports a permanent smile. His tail is always wagging, especially when there are new people to meet. He’s super playful and seems to really enjoy the company of other dogs. Horacio doesn’t need much to be won over – his love is easily bought with a good belly rub or some tasty treats.

Evie, Horacio, and the other adoptable pets are available during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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