A one-of-a-kind human society
Yesterday I did something new that I had been putting off for some time. I took a tour of our Woodford County Animal Adoption Center. You see, being the devoted and loyal animal lover that I am, I couldn’t bear to go see our lost or sadly abandoned animals who are eagerly awaiting their new forever homes. I allowed my mind to create images that, quite frankly, I wasn’t comfortable with, and while I’ve provided support in various other ways over the years, I never made the trip to see how our Humane Society works.
Reluctantly I got out of my car and slowly made my way to the door. Immediately after entering the building, my whole attitude abruptly changed. What I saw was something of great wonder. A cheerful face greeted me as I announced myself and waited for my tour to begin. To the left was a large window with an open room with several cats wandering around or lounging in one of the many hammocks or perches. Cats with actual rooms to roam in an adoption center? A marketing tactic I guessed. Again, I was wrong. As I wandered around the facility at every turn, I was amazed at what I saw. More cats in more rooms enjoying the same benefits of moving freely in your cat as the distance.
Outside were large playgrounds with happy dogs wagging their tails and frolicking in the sun and waving at us. On nice days, all dogs get to enjoy their chance to run and play and just be a dog. As we walked through the indoor/outdoor kennels, every little face was beaming with excitement for what the future holds. I didn’t see a single sad face anywhere. Clearly all the animals there feel love; security and dedication of each and every one of those who faithfully contribute with time or funds to make this incredible place a reality.
Did I mention the quarantine area for cats that arrive sick and have a wonderful opportunity to recover and be someone’s prized pet again? In fact, there’s even a special emergency fund that pays for extraordinary medical care for pets that might not otherwise survive.
I left the adoption center happy and full of hope for what is to come. Driving home, across the country, back to my family of pets, filled me with gratitude. I am proud beyond words of our community. It takes special people to create and share such a vision and provide so much love and care to our four-legged friends.
I encourage you to go to your center, take a tour, get involved. All Humane Societies can be this great if you just take action. If you do, I think your heart, like mine, will overflow.