This article was featured in WYDaily on 5/5/23.

The Heritage Humane Society announces a line-up of engaging spring and summer events. From Mother’s Day, birthdays, workouts, dog classes, birthday parties and the annual return of Animal Camp, mark your calendars for months of fun. In addition to exciting events at the shelter, its new classroom space also provides one of the community’s newest event rental opportunities.

Meet the new Manager of Fun

Greater Williamsburg’s shelter housing the area’s largest homeless pet population is about to be even busier. They just named Kendell Thomas as their Humane Education & Activities Manager.

Thomas brings more than 20 years of experience in the animal field after majoring in Zoology. For many years, she led the camp and tour programs for Busch Gardens Williamsburg. In fact, she was often one of the adventure park’s presenters who would bring some of Busch Gardens’ animal ambassadors to visit with children attending Animal Camp at The Heritage Humane Society.

Thomas is the go-to for learning more and signing up for the following programs along with renting the shelter’s new classroom for private use. She will be coordinating the education and youth programs and everything happening in the classroom. Thomas will also be leading birthday parties, running the summer animal camps for the next generation of pet enthusiasts, and assisting with the shelter’s junior volunteer program.

“I am ecstatic about joining The Heritage Humane Society team as the new Humane Education & Activities Manager. My love for animals began as a child when my family adopted our first cat, PJ. I majored in Zoology and spent the last 20 years training and caring for animals, but my favorite part of my job has always been educating kids about animals and conservation. Through summer camps and school programs, I have been able to inspire the next generation of animal advocates,” shares Kendell Thomas, Humane Education & Activities Manager at The Heritage Humane Society. “The Heritage Humane Society is an integral part of the community and I am honored to be a part of growing our Humane Education Program. I am most excited about our Summer Camps beginning June 19th, but will definitely be meeting our neighbors before that, as we host birthday parties, yoga, art classes, and more at the shelter.”

Join the excitement

The Heritage Humane Society invites the community to sign up for the following engaging activities:

• Summer Animal Camp. Young animal enthusiasts can get hands-on this summer at one of the shelter’s most popular experiences, Animal Camp. Based on demand, the shelter has even added an extra week. Learn more and register for Animal Camp online.

• Dog training classes and workshops. Dogs are lovable, but a well-trained dog is a best buddy in life. The Heritage Humane Society provides a variety of dog training classes with Greater Williamsburg’s Dog Whisperer, Adam Claar. From basic obedience, advanced lessons, and even trouble-shooting (um, hello accidents in the house!), participants gain skills that help dogs to know what is expected of them and to strengthen the bond with their human companions.

The shelter also provides a selection of complimentary dog training workshops. Topics for May include Preventing Jumping on People, Barking: Why and What to Do, Potty Training, and Pulling on the Leash. The workshops are for people to come and learn and take their newfound skills home to work with their dogs.

• (Leading up to) Mother’s Day Craft Event. Get ready to lavish mom (or the mother figures in your life) with The Heritage Humane Society’s Mother’s Day Craft Event. On May 6, 2023, come by the shelter and make a handmade animal-themed card. All supplies will be provided. All ages are welcome. While getting creative, some of the shelter’s adoptable pets will visit the classroom throughout the day. Donations are welcome whether monetary or bringing items from the shelter’s Supply Wish List.

• GymGuyz Full Body Workout. Work up a sweat for your health on May 13, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. GymGuyz will lead a 45-minute full-body, low-impact workout in the shelter’s classroom. Simply bring a yoga mat. This is a donation-based event to benefit the shelter’s homeless pets. No need to sign-up ahead of time – just come with a yoga mat and be ready to move, exercise and have fun.

Book your next function at the new community room

When The Heritage Humane Society debuted its expanded shelter more than one year ago, one of its biggest features in terms of both size and excitement is its new classroom. The multipurpose space, generously sponsored by The Tide Radio and WYDaily, is now home to the shelter’s dog classes, meetings, and Animal Camp, however, it was also built as a new space for the community to book. From birthday parties, yoga classes, civic meetings, and more, the classroom is designed to provide rental opportunities.

To learn more about renting the space, contact The Heritage Humane Society by phone or email at 757-221-0150 ext.1014 or [email protected].

Has spring cleaning freed up room for a new furry friend?

The Heritage Humane Society has more than 200 cats, dogs, and small pets currently in their care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 12 to 4:30 p.m., Tues. through Sun.

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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