Have you ever been a part of something so great it can take you through the most difficult days? We are feeling it here at Kitsap Humane Society – and the mood is infectious. As an ASPCA $100K Challenge participant, we’ve seen great transformations. Our passion for what we do is spreading like wildfire and helping the pets’ and community we serve. Rehoming thousands of animals a year can at times feel like a battle fought alone, especially for shelter personal (too many animals, not enough homes). Until now! The ASPCA $100K Challenge created a sense of unity for shelters across the nation, cumulative efforts making visible impacts in shelter populations, celebrations taking place by the second and our opportunity to be a part of something greater than ourselves. It’s a privilege to say we are a participant. Just visit and see what we’re talking about. The essence of our shelter mission is to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome. Who would have thought that by being a Challenge participant, it would rehabilitate us and propel us in a direction to do things better?

There’s a greater sense of urgency, unity and excitement among departments. Teammates are stepping outside of their normal roles and offices to help with cleaning, counsels and transports. Social media is flooded with life-changing adoption stories and support. Departments are operating with greater efficiency. Businesses are inviting us to events, showing their support and wanting to share in the rehome experience. KHS has taken our first team photo in years, something so simple, yet a tribute to our growing team spirit. There’s fun around every corner, enthusiasm in the air and most importantly pets walking on the door.

In the mornings, we open to a full kennel and by the end of the day 1/3 of the animals have found forever homes. For the first time ever we reached out to area shelters and rescues offering our space to others in need or to those who may have unmanageable waitlists. Volunteers have come to the plate, with positive attitudes, celebrations and ready to help wherever they can. We’ve celebrated on behalf of shelters across the nation experiencing the same momentum and results, aiding with words of support and exchanging our greatest successes.

With every pet walked or carried out the shelter, it’s easy to look into their eyes and say, “We did it all for you – every posting, event, feeding, cleaning, counsel, training, grooming pet, extra hour worth of work or walk. You deserve a second chance at life, to give a family the joy we’ve been fortunate enough to experience and to have that happiness last a lifetime with your new family.“ Rescue. Rehabilitate. Rehome.
                                 – Stacey Price, KHS Director of Animal Welfare