In Dolly we Trust
August at New Hampshire Humane Society was all about advocacy, adoptions, outreach, and puppy hangs. And as we reflect on the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, it feels especially fitting to look back at this month through the lens of one of her most enduring beliefs: the goodness of people.
Advocacy: Our team attended Veto Day at the State House, where three bills vetoed by Governor Kelly Ayotte ultimately had those vetoes sustained. It was a huge win for the animal welfare community, and we are incredibly grateful that our House Representatives and Senators heard us.
This was people showing up. Educating those who may not work in our world. Listening to concerns, sharing our own, and finding common ground. It was people standing up for what they believe in - and that matters.
Adoptions: We are wrapping up August with more than 100 adoptions. That means more than 100 animals now have new forever homes throughout New England. More than 100 families will experience the love, companionship, and joy that comes with sharing their lives with an animal.
From there, tens of thousands of memories will be made. People and animals will change each other’s lives, for the better. Because we all know there is no love and companionship quite like that of an animal.
Outreach: We had the opportunity to attend National Night Out events in Lincoln and Woodstock, put on each year by police departments across the country. These events are free for the community and offer food, live music, interactive games, and a chance to meet the men and women who protect and serve their communities.
It is another example of people coming together, building connections, and creating community.
Puppy Hangs: Well, we have lots of pups who have turned out to be the best of friends! After morning chores, these pups love to get together for some good old-fashioned fun - running around, playing, lounging, and generally enjoying time with their dog pals.
These moments are so important for the mental well-being of our residents while they wait for their forever homes. Keeping our animals socialized, stimulated, and happy is an important part of the care we provide.
It is easy to find the goodness of people throughout all of these stories. It is people showing up. People standing up for what they believe in. People making the world a better place not just for themselves, but for others. It is building community and educating one another, because, after all, we don't know what we don't know.
And we would be remiss not to mention the program we think Dolly would be especially proud of:
Telling Tails.
Our Telling Tails program was created to celebrate kindness, improve literacy skills, and keep our feline residents well socialized. The program invites anyone to come in during our open hours, borrow a book from our library - or bring your own - and sit with a kitty and read for a while.
If you have not heard of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we highly encourage you to check it out. And if you have not heard of our Telling Tails program but are interested in learning more, we are dropping the link below.
Today, we invite you to celebrate Dolly Parton the best way we know how: by celebrating kindness, picking up a book, discovering something new, and maybe cuddling up with a furry friend.
And if you need a furry friend, well, we can help you with that, too.
In the wise words of Dolly:
"Every book is a treasure and every time you open one up, you will meet new friends and take wonderful journeys to magical places."
Here’s to making the world a better place, discovering new places, and making new friends.
Warmly,
NHHS
