Helping Pets and People in our Community

During the holiday season, we’re surrounded by lights. Cheerful decorations, connections
with friends and family (including pets!), and the joyful feeling in the air all help to illuminate
our days. At Oregon Humane Society, we’re grateful to you for being a light for the
animals who find their way to our care.

A few months ago, in my role as Humane Special Agent at OHS, I learned about a dog
named Maisie who was living in darkness. Her overgrown, matted fur covered her eyes,
and she rarely saw the light of day—even for potty breaks.

Thanks to you, OHS can take action for animals like Maisie in desperate need
of assistance.

Most of the calls that my team responds to are for families who just need a little extra
support—a bag of dog food to get them through until pay day, flea medicine and basic pet
supplies, or educational guidance on improving the well-being of their animals.

But sometimes, we find overwhelmed owners whose care for their animals has
rapidly diminished.

This was unfortunately true for Maisie. When a worried community member caught a rare
glimpse of her and noticed her unkempt condition, they alerted our team and we rushed to
investigate. OHS is the only humane society in Oregon with a Humane Law Enforcement
team and humane special agents with statewide authority to follow up on reports of
animal neglect or abuse. Without donor support, animals like Maisie would remain
in the shadows.

When I checked on Maisie and met her elderly owner, it was clear that this was a case of
a person who loved their animal but no longer had the physical or financial ability to provide
for her.

Maisie’s matted fur was not only extremely painful, but continuing to leave it untreated
could cause skin infections, restrict blood flow, and lead to open wounds or tears in the skin.
Wanting a better future for Maisie, her owner surrendered the tiny dog to OHS.

Because of you, our team was immediately able to help Maisie—diligently shaving away
her tough matted shell, assessing her medical needs, providing her with nourishing food, and
giving her a comfortable place to recover.

Today, Maisie has been adopted and has new soft fur growing in. Seeing Maisie transform from
the dog I first met to the bright-eyed, happy pup she is today is why I do this work. Because of
you, Maisie can see the world again and has a bright future ahead.

Animals like Maisie are counting on you to be their light! Without your generosity, we cannot
continue to rescue animals, provide them with robust medical and daily care, and find them
new homes.

From one passionate animal person to another, will you make a holiday gift today?

For the animals,
Mike Rowe
Humane Law Enforcement

Links:

• About Oregon Humane Society
• Oregon Humane Society Resources
• Community Veterinary Hospital