The Upper Valley Humane Society: A Lifeline for Animals in Need

The Upper Valley Humane Society (UVHS) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont. Founded in 1996, UVHS is a leader in animal welfare, providing a wide range of services to help animals in need.

Mission and Services

Mission Statement: "To promote the welfare, adoption, and humane treatment of animals and to advance the human-animal bond."

Services:

• Animal Shelter: UVHS operates a state-of-the-art animal shelter in Enfield, NH, providing care for abandoned, neglected, or surrendered animals.
• Adoption Services: UVHS facilitates the adoption of animals from the shelter into loving homes.
• Humane Education: UVHS offers educational programs to children and adults, teaching them about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
• Pet Therapy: UVHS provides pet therapy services to hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities, offering comfort and companionship to those in need.
• Community Outreach: UVHS collaborates with other organizations to promote animal welfare initiatives and assist low-income pet owners.

Impact and Statistics

UVHS has a significant impact on the lives of animals and people in the Upper Valley. In 2023, UVHS:

• Housed and cared for over 1,200 animals
• Facilitated the adoption of over 900 animals
• Educated over 5,000 children and adults about animal welfare
• Provided over 1,000 hours of pet therapy services
• Distributed over $100,000 in financial assistance to low-income pet owners

Funding and Support

UVHS relies on the generous support of individuals, foundations, and businesses to fund its operations. Donations are crucial for providing essential services to animals in need.

Ways to Support UVHS:

• Donate: Make a one-time or recurring donation to support UVHS's mission.
• Adopt: Give an animal a second chance by adopting it from the shelter.
• Volunteer: Share your time and skills as a volunteer at UVHS.
• Shop: Visit UVHS's Thrift Shop in Lebanon, NH, where proceeds support animal care.

Stories of Compassion

UVHS is a beacon of hope for animals in need. Every day, it makes a difference in the lives of countless animals. Here are three heartwarming stories that illustrate the impact UVHS has on the community:

Story 1: The Abandoned Puppy

A young puppy was found abandoned in a dumpster, malnourished and covered in fleas. UVHS staff took her in and provided her with medical care and rehabilitation. She was eventually adopted into a loving home, where she now thrives.

Lesson Learned: No matter how difficult their circumstances, animals deserve a chance to find happiness and love.

Story 2: The Senior Dog

A 10-year-old dog named Lucky had a tumor on her leg that was making it difficult to walk. Her family couldn't afford surgery, so they surrendered her to UVHS. The shelter performed the surgery at a reduced cost, allowing Lucky to live out her golden years pain-free.

Lesson Learned: Even in their old age, animals deserve to live with dignity and comfort.

Story 3: The Therapy Dog

A shy and anxious dog named Sophie was trained as a therapy dog by UVHS. She now visits hospitals and nursing homes, providing comfort and joy to patients and residents. Sophie's presence has helped improve the emotional well-being of countless people.

Lesson Learned: Animals can play a vital role in healing and promoting happiness.

Effective Strategies for Animal Welfare

UVHS employs various strategies to promote animal welfare in the Upper Valley:

• Education: UVHS believes that education is key to improving animal welfare. Its humane education programs teach children and adults about responsible pet ownership, animal behavior, and compassion.
• Spay and Neuter: UVHS strongly advocates for spaying and neutering pets to reduce the number of unwanted animals and prevent pet overpopulation. It offers low-cost spay and neuter services to make it affordable for all pet owners.
• Community Outreach: UVHS collaborates with other organizations, such as animal control agencies and low-income pet food banks, to address animal welfare issues in the community. It also provides financial assistance to low-income pet owners for veterinary care and other expenses.

Pros and Cons of Supporting UVHS

Pros:

• Direct Impact: Supporting UVHS directly benefits animals in need, providing them with shelter, medical care, and a chance to find loving homes.
• Community Involvement: UVHS is an integral part of the Upper Valley community, working to improve the lives of both animals and people.
• Tax Deductible: Donations to UVHS are tax-deductible, providing a financial incentive for supporting its mission.

Cons:

• Limited Funding: UVHS relies heavily on donations and fundraising to operate. Funding may sometimes be limited, which can impact the scope of services it can offer.
• Euthanasia in Some Cases: In extreme cases, where an animal is suffering from a terminal illness or severe behavioral issues, euthanasia may be considered a humane option. While UVHS does everything possible to avoid this outcome, it is sometimes necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the adoption fees at UVHS?

A1: Adoption fees vary depending on the species and age of the animal. Please visit the UVHS website for current fees.

Q2: Can I volunteer at UVHS?

A2: Yes, UVHS welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities. Contact the shelter for more information on volunteer opportunities.

Q3: How can I donate to UVHS?

A3: You can donate online, by mail, or by visiting the UVHS shelter or Thrift Shop.

Q4: What is the difference between a humane society and an animal shelter?

A4: Humane societies are typically private, non-profit organizations that focus on promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Animal shelters, on the other hand, are often operated by municipal governments and primarily provide shelter and care for stray or abandoned animals.

Q5: What is a "no-kill" shelter?

A5: A no-kill shelter is a shelter that does not euthanize healthy or treatable animals. UVHS is a no-kill shelter.

Q6: How can I report animal abuse or neglect?

A6: If you suspect animal abuse or neglect, contact your local animal control agency or the Humane Society of the United States.

Table 1: UVHS Adoption Statistics

Table 2: UVHS Humane Education Impact

Table 3: UVHS Financial Assistance Program

Conclusion

The Upper Valley Humane Society is a vital organization that plays a crucial role in the welfare of animals in the Upper Valley. Through its shelter, adoption services, humane education programs, pet therapy services, and community outreach efforts, UVHS makes a positive impact on the lives of countless animals and people. By supporting UVHS, you can help create a more compassionate and responsible community for all.