As the year winds down, can we take a moment to reflect on all we have faced and accomplished together? Our original building is showing its age, our pet population continues to grow with the nationwide animal crisis and the costs of even the most basic supplies keep climbing. Yet, we end the year with deep gratitude because you continue to show up for the animals who rely on us at The Heritage Humane Society.
Whether you adopted or fostered, attended an event, volunteered, donated or simply offered a kind word, you helped lift this shelter through a year that was not always easy. Thank you for being part of this community of care.
What It Really Means to Welcome Pets in Need
Being open admission means we listen carefully each time someone reaches out for help. Every situation looks different. One day may bring us a homeless pet with an urgent medical need. Another day may bring a family going through something so difficult that they can barely speak as they walk through our door. We do our best to guide every pet toward the safest and most responsible path forward.
Your support allows us to be ready when the unexpected arrives, and I can tell you, there were many more of these lump-in-the-throat moments this year, and they continue arriving daily.
Pet Spotlight: Six Puppies, One Selfless Elderly Man and a Lesson in Compassion
Recently, shelter staff received a call about six young puppies whose elderly caregiver was doing everything in his power to keep them fed and safe. Living on a tight, fixed income, he began greatly sacrificing his own needs so the puppies wouldn’t go without. His adult daughter, recognizing the growing struggle, helped him make the compassionate decision to surrender them to The Heritage Humane Society, ensuring they could receive full medical care and the chance to thrive. While it was a difficult decision, it was made in love with the resource of the shelter to be able to take in, care for and find stable homes for each puppy.
The puppies happened to have arrived during one of the shelter’s popular Animal Camps for kids, where the next generation of animal lovers was actively learning about responsible pet care. The campers were able to see firsthand what happens when stray or surrendered pets enter the shelter, including the puppies’ first veterinary assessments, medical care and vaccinations, shelter provision and socialization, preparations for spay/neuter surgeries and ultimately pathways to adoption.
When we carried them inside for medical evaluations and care, our Animal Camp children were nearby and watched quietly with big eyes and soft voices. Soon, the campers worked together to unanimously decide on a theme for their names: Toy Story.
The next morning the children named them Buzz Lightyear, Andy, Mrs. Potato Head, Mr. Potato Head, Little Bo Peep and Forky. Soon the room was filled with tiny paws and children’s laughter. The campers gently showed the puppies toys and introduced soft touches and patience.
When the pups curled up to sleep, the children stood in a little line at the window and whispered so they would not wake them.
That moment reminded me that compassion can be taught. It can also be caught. Your support makes these programs possible. Through Animal Camp and our Animal Ace’s Kids Club, children learn compassion and problem solving while helping homeless pets feel seen and valued. In one camper’s case, the impact of saving a life was also learned while attending camp – Conner and his family ended up adopting Andy (now “Dipper) pictured below.
A Challenge With Double the Power
After GivingTuesday, several kind donors reached out with an offer that made all of us stop and feel a bit emotional. They created the Tales of Tails Impact Challenge for the end of the year to continue the needed momentum. Donations will be matched up to $40,000. If you choose to give, your gift will provide twice the safety and care. Your support can be given online at donate.heritagehumane.org or in person at the adoption center located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
From the Toy Story puppies who once trembled at every sound to the pets currently resting in our shelter tonight and from every staff member who pours love into this work, thank you for standing with us. Happy Holidays!