National Shelter Appreciation Week
November 7-13, 2010
Have you been thinking you need to stop by your local shelter, learn more about it or see how you may be of help? The week of November 7 is the time to do so.
Founded by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), NATIONAL SHELTER APPRECIATION WEEK was “designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services.”
Every year the Lawrence Humane Society cares for nearly 7,500 animals in our community who come to us because they are lost, orphaned, or just unwanted. They depend on us for shelter, medical assistance, and basic care. And we provide these companion animals with the care they need until they can be placed in permanent homes.
During Shelter Appreciation Week, or at any time, we invite you to visit us at 1805 E. 19th Street and learn about our many services and ways you can help. Our Volunteer Program offers a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups to make a contribution to the animals in our care. GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR SHELTER—it may be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life!
Imagine – Our Community WITHOUT a Shelter!
Don’t worry, the Lawrence Humane Society isn’t going anywhere. But while we thank you for recognizing the services our shelter provides, we ask you to stop for just one moment and imagine what our community would be like if we had no animal shelter.
As we’ve said before, more than 7,500 animals come through our doors each year. Where would they go if we weren’t here? Would they roam the streets, become injured or ill, and eventually die? An average of 3,500 dogs and cats, lost or strayed from home, are brought to us annually. Where would they be kept safe and given care? Without us how would they be reunited with their owners or adopted to new homes? Our shelter investigates about 600 cases of cruelty every year. Who would rescue and advocate for these abused animals if we weren’t here? We provide medical care for all of the animals who come to our shelter, many of them injured or ill. Without a shelter, how would they receive the care and treatment they need and deserve?
While there are those who are ambivalent toward animal welfare, we hope they recognize that a shelter not only serves animals, but serves the community as a whole through education and by controlling the population of animals at large, thereby helping maintain a safe and healthy community environment.
We welcome you to come to our shelter, find out more about us by going to Services or Events, or learn about ways you can help. We also encourage you to sign up for our weekly email announcements, which will help you stay current on the very latest shelter news!
With your support, the Lawrence Humane Society will continue to serve YOU and YOUR community in Lawrence and Douglas County.