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Happy New Year from HHS!

January 2023

As we begin our work in 2023, we are honored to dedicate this issue of our newsletter to our hardworking, committed, loving and devoted fosters — those incredible individuals who continue to reach out to us with our favorite question … “Have you got another cat/dog ready to foster”? These folks are amazing! Here are some of their their stories…

WHY I FOSTER

Dr. Abbey Dondanville

I have been privileged to foster 57 cats and kittens for Habersham Humane Society over the last 18 months, working with other tireless volunteers and local vet clinics to make a difference in our community. I’ve been asked dozens of times why I foster, and the simple answer is because there are animals whose lives can be saved by opening my door and heart to them.

This willingness came from own worry about what would happen to my cats, should I not be able to care for them. I realized that these starving feral, abandoned, and surrendered cats and kittens were experiencing a similar state of fear and confusion at their own uncertain futures, and I knew we could make a difference. And while fostering is incredibly rewarding (especially when a spicy kitten turns in her feral card or a sick one recovers to full health!), it comes with its share of heartbreak as well.

One of the greatest kindnesses we can give to our companion animals is to prevent their suffering and remain with them until their final breath if they are too injured or ill to survive. Being able to give them a small measure of comfort and my unconditional love, even if just for a few days or hours, is more than they would experience if left on the street, under a dumpster, or in the woods. But honestly, the simultaneous saddest and happiest fostering days are those when the cats and kittens transport north with our partner agencies. This opportunity for them to find forever homes with warm beds, full stomachs, and a family who’ll love them as unconditionally as I have is why I foster.

WHY I FOSTER

Denise Cullom

Fostering is so many things, but most of all...rewarding!

I've fostered 30 foster dogs or puppies since 2016 and each one was a totally different experience. And I've loved every moment! The primary reason I foster is because I know by taking one pup into my home, I am opening a spot in a shelter for another dog to be saved. With every dog I foster, I save another dog's life.

I love animals (all kinds!) and I wanted to give back to the community, so I started volunteering at a local Humane Society -- walking dogs, feeding them, playing with them, etc. They asked if I would like to try my hand at fostering, and I said sure, why not. We already had one dog at home and my husband thought I was crazy for wanting to do this. My son thought it was a grand idea. I wasn't so sure but thought I'd give it a shot, so off I went to pick up my first foster.

I was in a back office and they brought her in. She was a 5-year-old black and white little mixed breed with a long furry tail. I literally thought she was crazy and I questioned my decision for doing this. What was she doing?! She was running in circles with her butt tucked. She wouldn’t sit still and she was panting like she just ran a marathon. AND she was heartworm positive and the staff is telling me I must keep her calm at home as she goes through treatments. Umm...Ok, sure. I had a lot to learn. :)

I quickly realized that once she was home and in a quiet space, she changed. Kennel trauma is REAL. She was so stressed out at the shelter from being dropped off in a strange place with nothing familiar to her. And all the loud noises… and the cold cement floors… and all the strange dogs… and all new people…she was petrified. And that is how her behavior came out.

Fast forward 3 months as she went through heartworm treatment. Candy was the most loving, gentle soul I had ever met. And she was smart! I taught her to sit, lie down, stay, treat, outside, and go for a walk. She would sit politely while we ate at the dining table. She snuggled every night in bed, splitting her time between my son’s room and ours. This little girl went from frantic to perfect – and all she needed was for someone to show her how and love her.

The knowing that I made such an impact on TWO lives (Candy’s and the other dog that was able to take her place in the shelter) made it all worthwhile. I was hooked. And so was my family. It teaches patience and, in turn, we get gratification. They witnessed the impact we have on helping the dog learn to trust; learn to walk on a leash; learn to play; learn what a dog bed is; and even learn to love.

Fostering is just plain fun! Puppies are just goofy and such a hoot! Playing fetch or tug of war with a dog makes you forget about anything else going on in the world. Teaching a dog tricks is pretty neat, because the dog is more adoptable and it gives a profound sense of accomplishment! I think it improved my son’s self esteem because he knew he had a part in the pup’s success.

Fostering is flexible. We all know…Life happens. When I know my son has a heavy sports schedule or we have a big vacation coming up, I don’t foster. When my father was in and out of the hospital, I didn’t have the time or emotional bandwidth to foster, and that’s ok too.

Each animal is different and each one has their own story. Unconditional love helps both the foster AND foster mom (or dad). I fostered one of the dogs from the terrible 2017 Habersham County animal abuse case. This little guy was so traumatized and absolutely petrified. I would spend hours just lying on the ground, not moving, to show him humans are ok and I wasn’t going to hurt him. I helped him work through his trauma and he helped me work through the loss of my mother. Another happy ending! Greggor (now Snickers) was happily adopted by two deacons that did the Blessing of the Animals.

Each foster baby has a special place in my heart. All the volunteers and workers know that when I drop off my foster to get adopted...I am going to cry. A lot. But I always remember… That while fostering, I gave them everything I had so they would have the best shot at finding their furever home.

In the end…I know that I have saved two lives.

And I cry, so they don’t have to.

WHY I FOSTER

Cat Wiles

To take a litter of kittens to the shelter is heartbreaking to me. Not because of the shelter itself, but because of our location. We have so many animals that need homes in our county. Small kittens need care that a shelter might have a challenging time giving.

I personally have two indoor adult cats and they enjoy the new arrivals. After the first couple of days, they warm up to them and become surrogate parents. We have a great time as a family watching them play with each other and our cats. I cannot say enough kind things about the Habersham Humane Society. If I call and need food or litter or if a kitten is sick, I immediately get a call back asking what they can help with.

The Humane Society 100 % pays for the medical care and shots they receive all I must do is drive them to the appointment. These animals are then transported to no-kill animal shelters in the northeast US and are quickly adopted -- usually within two weeks of arriving. The best part to me is the email that I receive from the adoptive families telling me how they are loving their new kitten. They also enjoy the email I send along telling how the kittens came to me.

If you are interested in fostering, please contact HHS at info@habershamhumane.org; or if you would like to donate to help provide food and medicine for fosters like mine, please do so on the HHS website: www.habershamhumane.org.

WHY I FOSTER

Tangye Teague

As an avid animal lover, I’ve found that fostering with Habersham Humane Society is a positive way I can help unwanted or homeless pets.

These animals come from a multitude of varied pasts. Some have been surrendered because their human has died or is no longer able to care for them. Some have come from hoarding situations where a “kind-hearted” person has acquired more animals than he/she can adequately care for. But the sad truth is most come from unwanted litters.

Many of these fur babies have never been inside a home before or experienced a stable, safe, warm & dry shelter. Or know what it’s like to have regular healthy food and a continuous fresh water supply. Or have any type of health examinations or vaccinations. And many have never been petted or held.

This is why I foster. I can make a difference by providing safe shelter, food, water, healthcare and love.

The statement that I regularly hear is “I don’t know how you give them up.” Let me be clear: It takes a lot of time, work, dedication and patience. However, the benefits far outweigh the efforts. While they are with me, they brighten my days as I see them flourish. And by fostering, each pet has a much better chance for a happier and healthier life with a new family.

WHY I FOSTER

Jackie Hamby

HHS Foster/Transport Coordinator

I joined the team of volunteers with the Habersham Humane Society as a foster mom. After a couple of years fostering, Nancy Lanier asked if I would be interested in replacing her as the coordinator of the foster/transport program. She was moving out of the state. I have been with the program for many years now. I have always enjoyed working with and helping animals. Before Habersham Humane Society I was a volunteer with the Humane Society in Griffin, Ga. I have worked with many wonderful people over the years helping animals.

The Habersham Human Society is a foster/transport rescue organization and it’s a wonderful program. We pull animals from shelters and take in owner surrenders. We make sure they are healthy, up to date on all vaccines, and spayed and neutered. In order to do this, we need foster homes.

Most animals stay with their fosters for four-to-six weeks before they are transported to their new homes. If we are treating heartworm-positive dogs or other health issues, it can be slightly longer. Fosters know when they take in an animal approximately how long their stay is likely to be. Fostering can be fun and it gives the animals a second chance to a brighter future. While this program is good and we help many animals in our community, we need funds as well as fosters to make it work.

If you are interested in joining our team as a foster parent, please reach out to us. I would be happy to talk to you.

Please visit our website at www.habershamhumane.org. There you can read about us and find a link to make a donation. We would really appreciate your support so we can continue helping animals in our community.

And to our additional fosters — thank you for ALL you do for the animals! You are lifesavers!

Barbara & Bruce Meyer

Sue Adams

Kristin & Eric Franklin

Yolanda Sanchez

Debbie Griffin

Beverly & Jim DeVingo

Kat Stratton

Valerie Pate

AND our amazing transport drivers, Mike & Jenny Bell and Jule Coffee - always willing to go the extra mile to get those animals to Acworth for their transport with Road Trip Home.

Well, have we motivated you to become a foster mom or dad? Go to our website at www.habershamhumane.org and click on the “foster” link. You will find all the details and a foster application link to get the ball rolling. Or email us at info@habershamhumane.org.

It’s the most rewarding volunteer work you’ll ever do!

SHOUT-OUT TO OUR LATEST SUPERHERO!

My Christmas Hero

I met a young man during the Christmas season who has captured my heart and become my newest hero. Liam Dyer, 7 years old and a student at The Torch Christian Academy, loves animals (especially dogs) and wanted to do something nice for Habersham Humane Society. As Christmas approached, he began to make and sell ornaments to raise awareness and contribute to HHS. And did he ever!

Liam’s Mom, Ineke, contacted HHS to ask if we could meet. On December 19, I met Liam, Ineke and Tristan Dyer, at the gazebo in downtown Clarkesville where he presented me with a check for $375 – all the proceeds from his Christmas ornament project. He was humble and polite and a true Christmas gift to the needy animals in our foster care.

L-R: Ineke, Ryan, Tristan Dyer

Kids like Liam have a servant heart – his Mom says he has a heart for philanthropy.

Regardless of what you call it, he has a passion and desire to give back to those less fortunate than himself. When the conflict in Ukraine broke out, he made bookmarks to raise $1800 for relief efforts. Liam is special!

So, in this hectic season of buying, baking, wrapping, driving and, hopefully, praising – let’s all step back, take a breath, and “be a Liam”.

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT OUR YEAR-END FUNDRAISER?

We are grateful to each and every one of you who supported us this year. Because we are a fully-volunteer organization, you can be sure that all of your donations go directly toward the fostering, feeding, healing, spaying/neutering, and transporting of our community’s needy animals.