2023 Highlights: Stories of Resilience and Hope from Our Shelter
As we bid farewell to 2023, we’re grateful for a year filled with heartwarming moments and community support that fueled our mission to save lives. Join us in revisiting some of our most impactful stories, all made possible by your generosity and engagement.
Bombur’s Healing Journey
A brown tabby named Bombur arrived at our shelter with a life-threatening injury, likely from being hit by a car. Thanks to our expert veterinary team and generous community donations, Bombur underwent successful surgery and received the second chance she deserved. After five months of recovery in a loving foster home, she transformed from a cautious cat to a sweet lap companion. Now, she’s enjoying a loving new home, highlighting the impact of your kind support on pets like Bombur.
246 Rabbits Rescued and Rehomed
In February, our dedicated team, along with Pierce County Animal Control, rescued 246 rabbits from an unsafe and overcrowded environment, the largest number of animals we’ve received at once. With overwhelming community support, including donations, fosters, and new volunteers, over 140 rabbits found temporary homes within four days, significantly easing the burden on our resources. By December, all 246 rabbits had been successfully placed in loving homes, exemplifying the incredible support of our community and the resilience of these animals.
Justice for 107 Dogs
Over 14 months, 107 dogs were seized from convicted animal abuser Elmer Givens Jr. in Tacoma. Found locked in crates with severely neglected, injured, and emotionally traumatized, the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County faced overwhelming challenges in rehabilitating them. Through dedicated medical care and the remarkable resilience of the dogs, the support of donors, staff, volunteers, and partners facilitated their recovery.
On March 17, 2023, Givens Jr. pled guilty to 10 counts of animal cruelty, receiving a 10-month custody sentence, two years’ probation, and a lifetime ban from owning animals. Today, thanks to this collective effort, 17 heartwarming stories of adoption showcase the dogs’ second chance at a healthy and happy life.
Leslie Dalzell named as the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County’s New CEO
In April 2023, Leslie Dalzell assumed the role of chief executive officer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, bringing extensive financial expertise and leadership skills. With a background in finance and property management in the private military sector, Leslie joined the organization as chief financial officer in 2018. During her time, she expanded her responsibilities, overseeing information technology and facilities while contributing to the organization’s overall direction as a key executive team member.
Leslie served as Interim CEO beginning in October 2022 while actively building relationships in the statewide animal welfare community. Her dedication will enhance the shelter’s financial health and foster collaborative partnerships within the animal welfare community.
Dogs Playing for Life
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County received a grant from Dogs Playing for Life! This opportunity offered dog socialization and enrichment training through play groups with other rescues and shelters across our region.
This training helps improve the quality of life for thousands of dogs awaiting homes throughout Washington state! We were so grateful to be able to host this life-changing learning opportunity.
Paving a Future Together: The Shelter Launches Three-Year Strategic Plan
Our Three-Year Strategic Plan serves as a clear roadmap for our shared future. It establishes a path for leveraging challenges, opportunities, and partnerships as catalysts for innovation in animal welfare. The plan outlines a focused direction for personal, community, and animal well-being, addressing both current critical issues and future challenges.
With animals at the heart of our mission, this strategic plan serves as our compass on the journey to success. With your unwavering support, we can collectively pave the way for a brighter future.
Record-Breaking Adoptions and Spay & Neuter Surgeries
The shelter issued an urgent plea for support in July when we reached a critical capacity, exhausting our kennel space. In response, we waived adoption fees for five days, and the community rallied to make history! Each day, there was a line out the door with people eager to adopt, foster, or donate.
Between July 18 and July 23, a remarkable 287 adoptions took place. To ensure more animals were ready for adoption prior to the event, the shelter conducted a record-breaking number of spay and neuter surgeries in a single day, operating on 53 pets.
Libby Gets Surgery and a Second Chance at Life
Every day, animals in dire need arrive at our shelter, relying on our compassionate community for help. Libby, a pit bull with an enormous tumor, faced a life-threatening situation. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors and collaboration with expert veterinary staff at Blue Pearl, Libby’s leg and a 10 lb. mass were successfully amputated. Adopted by a veterinary technician, Libby, now named Wiggles, enjoys joyful days playing, snuggling, and basking in love, showcasing the impact of community kindness through her remaining days.
Celebrating the Organization’s 135-Year History
On August 24, 2023, the City of Tacoma and Pierce County councils officially declared the day as Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County Day, marking the shelter’s 135th anniversary of dedicated service to the community’s vulnerable pets.
To celebrate this milestone, we hosted our fourth annual Day of Giving, complete with a visit from Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards. The event provided an opportunity for the community to delve into our rich history of animal welfare and future strategic plans, aiming to broaden our impact in the community.
Tacoma Votes to Protect Cats from Declawing
On December 5, the City Council voted to ban the inhumane practice of cat declawing. This groundbreaking decision not only makes Tacoma the first city in the state to put an end to this mutilation but also stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between local government, animal welfare organizations, and community.
Our shelter staff played a pivotal role in crafting and advocating for this key legislation for animal welfare. From initial drafting to the final vote, our staff and community helped make this ban a reality to change the lives of countless cats.
Historic Match to Close Out the Year
Our friends at the Dimmer Family Foundation offered a $150,000 match for our year-end fundraising campaign, the Holiday Drive to Save Lives, marking the first time we received a matching gift of this magnitude. Thanks to this historic contribution, all donations made between December 12 and December 31 were tripled! And thanks to your generosity, we successfully met the match!
Make a Difference in 2024
As we step into 2024, we’re excited for the journey ahead, recognizing that with your ongoing support, we’ll create even more stories of hope, compassion, and lasting transformations. Your contributions and support have been vital to our success so far. Here’s to another year of making a difference together!
To ensure our impact grows, we invite you to be a part of our mission by becoming a monthly donor. By pledging your ongoing support, you empower us to sustain and expand our efforts for pets in need. Here’s to another year of making a difference together! Join us in paving our future together – join the Loyal Friends Club today!
