During CCL Hospitality Group and Compass One Healthcare Inclusion and Impact Month, I want to highlight why giving back is so important.
Back in 2005, after Hurricane Katrina hit, our family wanted to help. As big animal lovers, we knew our calling was to assist those who couldn't help themselves. I signed up to be a foster right away. Within two weeks, our family our hearts and home to Eli, a very sick, 14-week-old puppy. We didn't know he would be sick, but he was rescued during Katrina and moved to a shelter that was later hit by Hurricane Rita. He had gone through so much, but now he was finally safe. His journey had just begun. Since he was sick, he couldn’t get listed for adoption, and we became foster failures right away (meaning we ended up adopting him). That didn’t stop us from supporting and continuing to foster. We continued for many years, fostering and adopting out 48 puppies, dogs, and three cats to loving forever homes. We also adopted two more of the more challenging cases. We have never stopped supporting animal welfare organizations or adopting.
Twenty years later, through VolunteerMatch, I found Humane Society for Greater Nashua which is local to where we live. Previously, I had supported them through donations, adoptions, and my annual blanket & towel drive at work, but in 2023, I connected to join the board. It has officially been over a year that I volunteer, support as an active Board Member, and current Secretary. It has been an incredible experience. From my “Day at the Shelter,” learning from dedicated volunteers the ins and outs, supporting the home visits of the foster care program, to being part of special committees and events, it’s so rewarding. Every month, I know I make my impact through giving back.
This month, I want to make sure others know that they can easily make an impact with small gestures.
If you are looking for an easy project to give back, collect gently used blankets, sheets, and towels and donate them to a local animal shelter or rescue. The possibilities are endless, and if you’re looking to add a pet to your family, Adopt-Don’t Shop 😊
#HSFN #Puppies #Cats #Fostering #CompassTogetherWE #Rescue
#AdoptDontShop