| Learn the Latest Happenings at KHS! |  | | | It's easy to be overwhelmed by all that is going on across the globe. By the uncertainty that lies ahead. By the fear of the unknown. Even on our island in the middle of the pacific, we can't escape it. We're ready and waiting to open up the shelter and get back to "normal." But what does that normal look like? We've had some, dare I say, great things come out of this COVID experience. Our foster program has grown exponentially -- with more than 200 animals passing through foster homes in the last 2 months. We have had record breaking adoptions here on our island -- even without having an open shelter for people to visit. We're offering food bank pick ups twice a week, and last weekend, we had our second drive up vaccine clinic. And, wait for it, our live release rate for dogs in April was 100%. | |  | These accomplishments are important. The program developments are working. Our new "normal" needs to include a robust foster program. Active local adoptions, and support for our community so they can keep their pets rather than turn them in. We've leaned on you -- our KHS 'ohana - for support, and you have stepped up in an impressive way. On #GivingTuesdayNow, this Kaua'i community came together to raise nearly $30,000 to help KHS continue our lifesaving work. This funding has never been more important as almost all our revenue generating programs have ground to a halt during the COVID crisis. | |  | We're also THRILLED to announce we received a PetSmart Foundation grant for $20,000 to help our community keep their pets with them through this difficult period. This critical funding will help us continue vaccine clinics, purchase PPE, and ensure our shelter is sanitized and clean for everyone who walks through our doors. We also received $8,000 from the Rachel Ray Foundation and Best Friends Animal Society to continue to invest in and build our foster network. We are so proud that these national organizations are willing to invest in our lifesaving work! The reality is that we have no idea what the future holds. We don't know when we will be able to rely on programmatic revenue that helped keep our doors open. We're not sure when visitors will be able to easily get to -- and stay on -- our beautiful island. But, even despite that uncertainty, despite the anxiety it brings, I find myself feeling grateful. I am grateful that I have a foster dog from KHS to keep me entertained with her crazy antics. I am grateful to our staff for coming to work throughout this crisis to ensure our animals are always well cared for. I am grateful to our managers for being willing to think outside the box, try new things, and figure out how to get things done. I am grateful to our community for supporting us despite uncertainty; even though times are difficult. I am grateful that we, on Kaua`i, are in the position to begin to resume some of our important community services in a safe way. And, I am grateful for YOU for always having our back, | |  | Mirah Horowitz
Executive Director
Kaua'i Humane Society | | | | | |  | April By The Numbers! Last month, KHS found homes for 61 dogs and cats and reunited 21 dogs and cats with their owners. MAHALO to all our amazing volunteers, staff, and supporters who helped so many happy tails come true! | | | | | |  | Gomez Galley Pet Food Bank Have you recently lost your job? Are you struggling to feed your pets? The Kauai Humane Society -- in partnership with the County of Kauai -- is offering an expanded pet food bank for those in need. Simply complete the easy online registration and then sign up for a pick up time on Saturday or Tuesday. Receive 2 weeks of food per visit. Let's keep pets and their families together! | | | | | |  | Join our Foster 'Ohana Currently over 150+ animals are being taken care of in foster care! But the animals are coming in daily. Kitten season is hitting us hard, and we need all hands on deck. Help foster an animal and we can provide ALL the supplies you need. Our team is ready & able to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have too. | | | | | |  | Featured Animals: Oscar P & Arnold Meet Oscar P: Cute as can be, meet Oscar P! He's a year and a half old gray tabby. Oscar loves other cats, people, and affection. He spends his days at the shelter with his best friend, an orange cat named Clarence. But he dreams of finding a foster or forever home soon. Meet Arnold: Hey, Arnold! This senior sweetie is a 9 year old Hound mix. His age hasn't slowed him down! Arnold hopes to find a home with a big yard or with an owner that likes to exercise. He gets along great with other dogs too, so having a sibling or 2 would be just fine! | | | | | |  | Volunteer Spotlight: Keana Kuzma "Hi! My name is Keana Kuzma and I have been fostering for KHS for 3 years now. I started fostering when I started online school because I needed volunteer hours and a little extra company, but now it’s my favorite hobby! I really enjoy watching the kittens grow up and seeing their personalities develop. My favorite is seeing tiny sick kittens turn into big healthy kittens! I’m currently fostering two kittens that I got when they were only 10 days old. They are four weeks now and are the sweetest little boys!" | | | | | |  | Staff Spotlight: Tanya Ramseth -- Director of Development "Hi my name is Tanya, and I am the Director of Development at the Kaua`i Humane Society. I have been with KHS for about 6 months now and couldn't be happier! We have an excellent team and every one of us is dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats. Having lived on the island for 9 years, we have always supported KHS, we have adopted 2 cats and 1 dog from the shelter, my children went to Critter Camp, I have volunteered, and we started fostering kittens about 2 years ago. So even before I started working here, I have long been an advocate for the life-saving work being done. As the Director of Development, I don't get to interact with the animals every day - but I do get to interact with our marvelous supporters! Most of the work we do is only possible because of generous support from our community and contributors. It is my job to raise funds, write grants, plan fundraising events and communicate with our amazing donors. It is inspiring when we can share a need and people truly step up and join us in our lifesaving efforts, but the best part of my job is when we get to celebrate our successes that were made possible by generous and passionate pet people!" | | | |  | KHS Cares: Successfully Adjusting to a Foster Home Fostering a pet is one of the greatest gifts a pet owner can give to an animal and a shelter. Their are a few things you can do to make sure your fostering experience is positive for everyone. Preparing a safe haven, eliminating safety hazards, and enjoying enrichment are some of the ways. Read more in the wonderful Fear Free Pets article at the link below. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
