With the support of our community, our donors and adopters, and the tremendous work of our volunteers and staff, the Brown County Humane Society achieved an amazing save rate of 98 percent in 2018, making us one of the most successful shelters in the country.
So how do we arrive at that 98 percent rate?
- 714 animals were received at the shelter
- 698 animals were adopted, sent to rescue, or reunited with their family
- 12 animals died or were humanely euthanized due to untreatable illness or injury
Of course, those totals don’t tell the entire story. Whether they had broken bones or broken spirits, had lost a beloved guardian, or had simply gone astray, hundreds of cats and dogs got where they needed to be. Lost pets were reunited with their families. Sick cats and dogs received much-needed care. Challenging cases got the resources they needed. Each pet got the chance they needed for a better life.
Of those animals:
- 124 were lost pets that were reunited with their families
- 132 cats were adopted from our off-site adoption locations
- 67 were saved from nearby shelters that were over capacity
- 201 spent time in foster care to receive medical care or time to grow
- 5 received hospice care in foster homes, giving them the best of the time they had
Each person had their own story, too. There were first-time adopters, children welcoming their first pet, and people committed to saving the most vulnerable. Local residents adopted, as did people just passing through. A man who hadn’t laughed much since a terrible accident was cheered by his new dog. A woman was pulled out of depression and grief by her adopted cat. A young boy proved that shelter cats can be show cats, too, by winning the 4-H fair.
The Serving Pets Outreach Team (SPOT) had a very busy year helping our community pets and their families. Low-cost spay/neuter was provided for 635 Brown County pets. Over 17,000 pounds of pet food was distributed, and 46 bales of straw kept outdoor animals warm. At the annual rabies and vaccine clinic, 406 pets were served, an increase of 45 percent over 2017.
None of this happens without our wonderful staff, several of whom celebrated their five-year anniversaries this year. Our volunteers contributed over 13,000 hours of work.
In one way or another, the Brown County Humane Society touches the lives of every member of our community, whether through direct services, educational programs, lower taxes, or health and safety. Big things are coming in 2019 and we look forward to continued success together.
— Brown County Humane Society
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May 19: Dawg Gone Walk & Fiesta
Aug. 8-10: Barn Sale
Oct. 20-24: Online auction
Nov. 9: Chocolate Walk
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Get your pet fixed for $1 in February. Call 812-703-0797 for an appointment. Brown County residents only.
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