STHS: Looking back at 2011

As we usher in a new year, we at St. Tammany Humane Society wish to take a few moments to reflect upon the changes, growth, and success of 2011. We have seen both physical and financial growth, ranging from new buildings and programs to an increase in donations and fundraising.

Of course, everyone is familiar with our much anticipated spring and fall   fundraisers: Woofstock and Unleashed: Bash on the Bayou. Woofstock, held  at Pelican Park in 2011, ushered in spring fever for the pet lovers of the community with our low cost vet clinic, replete with all the pet care provisions and festival activities that make Woofstock such a howling good time. And though the absence of our honorary chairperson of Unleashed (Ian Somerholder) was certainly felt by his fans in attendance and those who acknowledge the wonderful things he has done for STHS, the event was a smashing success, raising $90,000 for our shelter!

Other fundraisers that our community supporters look forward to are our annual Poker Run on the Mandeville lakefront and Yappy Hour. STHS’s second annual Poker Run had a turnout that could definitely be considered a “full house” and the money raised had the shelter pups feeling pretty “flush.” In 2011 Yappy Hour got bitten with wanderlust, dubbing the monthly canine social hour “STHS Yappy Hour Road Tour,” rotating between our favorite local eateries and watering holes such as the Columbia Street Tap Room, The Beach House, Sorelli’s, and of course Yappy Hour’s birthplace…..Ruby’s Roadhouse.

And what other changes can be seen at the shelter? For one, 2011 also kicked off STHS Birthday ‘Paw’ties for youngsters who want to celebrate by ‘partying like an animal’ on their special day! Spay Day really drove home our mantra of “Fix Dat!” by spaying and neutering over 200 cats. Our rabies drive offered free rabies vaccinations, ensuring that pet owners in need would go mad with delight, but their dogs would not. And the grand opening of Scruffy 2 Fluffy (a do it yourself dog spa) made all of our, and your, dirty dogs a thing of the past.

All said, STHS (with the generous support and donations of those who believe in our no-kill cause) raised a total of $175,000 in fundraising efforts and $40,000 total value in physical donations such as food, cat litter, toys, etc.  All of which goes directly back to the homeless and abandoned dogs and cats of our community that we have committed to help and rehome. STHS’s low cost vet clinic, our yearly FUNdraisers, new programs, and hip additions are all in place for one reason: to better serve our mission to ‘save the life of every adoptable animal in our community through education, adoption, and spay/neuter programs.’

So just how many dogs and cats are finding new homes through St. Tammany Humane Society’s adoption program? In 2011, 700 dogs and cats were adopted to new forever homes. 150 of those dogs were adopted by forever homes in the north via our transport program Waggin’ Wheels.

And last but not least, the staff of St. Tammany Humane Society would also like to take this opportunity to welcome to the helm our new director, Vicky Kreeger, as she drives STHS into 2012 behind the wheel of our new Chevy Cruze Eco, the environmentally friendly car lowering our carbon ‘paw’prints one milestone after another.

Thank you to all of our donors and supporters who have made, and continue to make, it possible for STHS to maintain its place as the largest no-kill shelter in Louisiana. Our hope that 2012 brings with it continued growth and support lies with the animal lovers of our community. Happy New Year!