A Community Effort
As I navigate my way through our buildings across our Portland and Salem campuses, I have met so many passionate staff and volunteers who are doing this work every day. I was fortunate to meet one individual who has volunteered at Oregon Humane for 19 years. On the day we met, she revealed that it was her birthday. This dedicated volunteer had chosen to spend part of her special day in our shelter volunteering! She shared with me that Oregon Humane truly brings her joy and volunteering here is how she feels her time is best spent. This interaction feels representative of our entire team and their steadfast dedication, connection, and love for the animals we serve.
The diversity of our campuses makes us unique and brings such a needed perspective as a statewide organization. I recently attended our own Bowser’s Boo Bash (aka a fun party!) in our mid-Valley community. It was wonderful to get to know our Salem family of supporters, who have so much pride for where they live and an immense compassion for animals. Thank you for the warm welcome and love. I am looking forward to learning more about our partners and how we can do even more in the mid-Valley!
Supporting Animals Throughout Oregon
What has struck me most as I think back on my first month is the tremendous amount of work we do!
Animal welfare is a statewide value, and Oregon Humane is working hard to have a statewide impact. So many of our programs, like Humane Law Enforcement, Second Chance, and our up-and-coming Mobile Veterinary Clinic, are increasing access to care and building community through work that extends far beyond our doors.
This dedication and level of service for animals and their people is so unique even within the animal welfare industry. The work here supports animals at an individual level—considering each animal’s behavioral, environmental, and medical needs. This work makes Oregon Humane truly stand out and why what we do matters more than ever.
Looking Ahead
The word that is top of mind as I learn more about our programs, teams, and our supporters is: bravery. I have seen bravery in action every day—the OSU students who perform their first surgeries, our Medical teams who make life-changing decisions to protect an animal’s well-being, our Admissions and Customer Care teams working with families in both the good and the difficult moments, and the bravery of our donor community who stretch a little more every day to help us make that difference that matters so much.
I am eager to expand on the hard things we are doing in our community. That may look like taking in animals that will require more time and training, transferring in animals from places in desperate need of support, facilitating more educational events for pet owners, and more. I’m excited to see what more this brave community can accomplish together.
