Pet Talk

by Cathy Davis
    It was 1985 and I was recovering from the grief and trauma of losing a beloved pet, our sweet little Cocoa.
    I was looking for a way to give something back, a way to help other animals that would be meaningful, a way to help me work through my grief, a way to make a difference in the life of just one animal. 
    At the time I heard there was a meeting of the Houlton Humane Society in one of the classrooms at the High School and I showed up, just as shy as a church mouse, sitting in a corner, not knowing anybody. A sweet lady walked up to me, offered her hand, and said “Hi, I’m Dorene” and the rest is history.
    Today, we are taking a long hard look at our board and asking ourselves, “What was our motivation to become involved in animal welfare?” and “Why did we join the Houlton Humane Society?”
    It has been a moving and eye opening exercise. Over time we have become mired in the mundane task of raising funds to keep the shelter going, but we were reminded of a time not too long ago when we had a mission, a vision, we needed a new building, and our focus and energy was geared toward that goal.
    We realized how much we can accomplish when we have a fresh mission and we were challenged to come up with a vision as to what we would like to accomplish in the next three years.
    We urge you to join us in this challenge and share with us what you would like to see the Houlton Humane Society do in the near future.
    Is there a pet-related program that you “wish” we had here in Houlton but don’t? Is there an issue you have faced with your pet and realized there was nowhere to turn and you would like to see Houlton Humane embrace this cause?
    Our goal for the very near future is to continue to focus on growing our leadership, to replace the board focus on fundraising to a board focused on vision and mission with a fundraising committee for those who wish to go in that direction. Other committees might be formed to work on updating our bylaws, or updating our five-year plan. But the bottom line is, there will be more people doing less work, but accomplishing much more than ever before.
    If you have ever feared becoming involved with this organization, or any other, because you “don’t have time” or aren’t sure what is expected of you, stay tuned. There will be a clear message sent out from Houlton Humane as to what we need and what we expect, who we are, and where we are going. Perhaps you will find it appealing to become engaged in a membership that is refocused on goals other than the mundane daily tasks of raising the funds to keep things going.
    I believe it is true. I am a huge fan of “if you build it they will come”, and I am so passionate about this cause that I believe if we bring you a vision, you will be so excited about it you will not be able to stop yourself from offering just a little bit of time to come to maybe a quarterly meeting to share your excellent ideas, leadership skills, organizational skills, or your simple deep compassion for animals.
    Stay tuned, there is much to share, much to learn, and I know that you will want to be a part of this vibrant new beginning.  In the meantime, please “like” us on Facebook, share the site with your friends, help us to spread the word that there is something very exciting coming in the very near future and you won’t want to miss it.
    Check out our website at  www.houltonhumanesociety. org, and please, stop by the shelter for a visit.  Kudos to Heather Miller and staff for making the shelter a warm, friendly, safe environment for the animals and the public, and a truly fun place to visit.
    And from a personal perspective I have to tell you, if you don’t stop by to visit the baby bunnies we have right now, you are missing out on quite the treat. 
    I can’t even begin to tell you how bad your heart is going to melt when you see them.
    Over 60 years saving animals and we are just beginning to write a new chapter in this book, we are so excited! Come join us!
    Cathy Davis is a longtime volunteer for the Houlton Humane Society. She can be reached at houltonanimalshelter@gmail.com or 532-2345.