IndyHumane: Saving Lives Since 1905
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAs we celebrate IndyHumane’s 115th year serving the Indianapolis community, while navigating the new normal of 2020, it goes without saying that COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our community and our organization. Thanks to our faithful supporters, we were able to mitigate the impact of this pandemic on the animals we serve.
Since 1905, the Humane Society of Indianapolis Inc. (IndyHumane) has served our community. 115 years of uninterrupted service to animals and humanity. Theodore Roosevelt was the President of the United States when our service began. Through that arc of history, IndyHumane has been steadfast in our service to our community.
Despite the challenges of this unprecedented pandemic, our focus on our primary mission never wavered. I am very proud of all we have achieved together for homeless pets and for the Indianapolis community.
Through the wonderful financial support of many thousands of people, our privately funded agency helped thousands of animals, as well as many humans, in a myriad of ways including sheltering, behavioral or medical care for incoming animals, low-cost spay/neuter services for the public, or community education.
Our Rescue Relief program distributed hundreds of pounds of food and supplies to more than 100 organizations in need across the Midwest. In collaboration with our partners at FIDO, SOAR, IACS and more, we helped keep pets in loving homes by providing free or low-cost vaccines and spay/neuter surgeries to families hit hardest by economic woes.
In March, when a shutdown seemed imminent, we asked families to open their homes to fostering, and we were floored by the community’s willingness to help. Thanks to these generous families, more than 1,400 animals spent time in a foster home. For some, this was just a few days, but for many it was weeks or even months as they prepared for or recovered from surgery, received medical or behavioral care, and waited for forever homes. More animals in foster homes also helped our volunteers and staff better care for the animals who remained at the shelter.
Despite moving to online-based applications and adoptions by appointment, several thousand animals found shelter, safety, and needed medical care at IndyHumane. They then found their forever homes and experienced the joys of love, trust, and family. We hope their families likewise found love, comfort, and companionship in their new pets.
Every time IndyHumane adopts out a dog or cat we aren’t just sending an animal home. We are sending love – something we all could use more of, especially this year. Thank you for supporting us for the last 115 years, and thank you for helping us save lives every day.
David Horth is the Chief Executive Officer of IndyHumane. He has served the organization for 18 years in various capacities including interim CEO and Chairman of the Board.