2018 Annual Report
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Bangor Humane Society 2017-2018 Annual Report Celebrating Happy “I love my humans.” Beginnings - Baron Hi! I’m Baron My name is Baron. I’m kind of a celebrity around here, so some of you may remember me. I was seven months old when my family decided I wasn’t a fit for their lifestyle and decided to bring me to the Bangor Humane Society. In their defense, I’m a bit of hand- ful-- a 55-pound bouncing ball of energy-- and honest- ly, they were more like the Netflix and chill kind of humans! I’m a busy boy who needs LOTS of exercise and play, so they thought BHS could help me find a home better matched for my activity level. When I first arrived at BHS, I don’t think anyone would have predicted that I would become their longest staying resident of the year. Even I was sur- prised! I mean, who could resist this handsome face and boyish charm for 9 months? That’s right, 9 whole months. But that’s what’s so great about the folks at BHS. They let me stay there as long as it took to find the best new family for me. Sometimes perfection takes a while, you know? Since I saw firsthand the great work that goes on every day at the shelter, they asked me to share my story with those of you who support their import- My Happy Beginning began at the Bangor ant work. First off, let me give you all a tail-wagging “Humane Society on August 24, 2017. The first WOOF. That’s canine for “thank you”. Each one of you thing I remember about my arrival at BHS is who volunteers, donates, partners with and works at how nice the staff was. I was a little nervous, the humane society help animals like me get a second so one of them gave me a hot dog aka hu- chance at a great new life - no matter how long or man-dog trust exercise. Good trick humans be- how many tries it takes. You are quite the committed cause you quickly became my kind of people! humans, which loyal mutts like me truly appreciate. Rumor around the kennels was that Animal Well, I know how much you humans love a good hap- Coordinator, Sam, was the alpha in charge. In py ending story, so I am sure you are all anxious to other words - she was the one who made sure hear about where I am living now…and trust me it’s I had food in my bowl, two walks a day, and good, so you’ll definitely want to stick around to hear any medical care I needed. I learned to mind about it. But, of all things I learned during my stay at her, Keeper of the Squeaky Toys, right away. BHS, it really isn’t about my happy ending story- or That’s right, I’m handsome AND smart. The for that matter- any of the residents’ happy ending stories. It’s actually more about all the Happy Be- first time we met, I gave Sam my best smile ginnings. So, as you follow my journey through this and showed her my smartest trick. I am telling year’s Annual Report, it’s some of those Happy Be- you, she was smitten and we were BFF’s from ginnings that I would most like to share with you. that moment forward...but that’s only the be- ginning…” - Baron 2 l BANGOR HUMANE SOCIETY Executive Director’s Message We are currently living in a time where we are bombarded on social media and various news platforms with negativity and adverse messaging. Here at BHS, we are not immune. Our animals, our people, and our communities encounter and witness painful and devastating experiences firsthand almost daily. But when we do, we confront them, rise above them, heal from them, and are strengthened by them. We are a place where good things happen; where good people unite to advocate for homeless and abused animals, where second chances are granted, new fam- ilies are created, and where happy new beginnings emerge out of devastating tragedies. Photo by Brooke Clay We are a place of hope, resilience, and purpose. Every single one of our staff, volunteers, do- nors, adopters and community partners help us meet and overcome those challenges that are very much a reality in the animal welfare sector and the world at large. They help us rescue animals after national di- sasters, transport hundreds of vulnerable dogs across the country to find them homes, deliver life-saving medical care to the injured, nurture sick orphaned kittens back to life, help us clean kennels or walk dogs, provide respite by taking our guests on adventures out of their kennels, and make generous gifts to support our mission. I am so pleased to celebrate all of you in this year’s annual report themed, Happy Beginnings. You help us continue the incredible work we started in this communi- ty 149 years ago and have joined us in embracing a rapidly changing animal wel- fare environment to help us write thousands of new beginnings and save more lives every single year. Thank you for another amazing year. I hope you will continue your journey with us through your charitable giving, volunteerism, partnership or by adopting one of our amazing pets into your home this upcoming year. And, I hope you will join us in a movement to celebrate all the good, positive work happening right here in our own backyard in hopes it will ripple out and inspire our global community. Warmest Regards, I am so pleased to celebrate all of Suzan Prendergast & Bear “ you in this year’s annual report Baron with Sam Carruth Animal Care Coordinator theme, Photo by Barkley & Co. Happy Cover Photo by Barkley & Co. Beginnings ” ANNUAL REPORT 2017- 2018 l 3 Board of Directors President: Lani Naihe Vice-President: Buddy Angst Treasurer: Bob Williams Secretary: Susan Reisman Members: Christopher Barry, DVM Patricia Bixel Earl Black John D. Bunker Meaghan Duffey John Kenney Russ Maynard Justin Payson Jeff Russell Katherine Simoncic Photo by Oka Hutchins President’s Message Each and every day, you create new beginnings at the Ban- you have made possible for both me and my dog Henry, gor Humane Society. a BHS alum. Adopted at the age of two in 2012, Henry had four different homes before mine. I wasn’t really looking Some are more visible than others. The first thing that for a dog at the time, but once I saw his photo, I knew he comes to my mind is when a pet finds his or her forever was the one for me -- and thankfully, he felt the same way home with a loving family. once we met! But there are other new beginnings too, such as when a It was a new beginning for both of us – for me as a dog fearful dog begins to trust or when a sick cat starts to heal. mom and for him, who was scared every time I left the Perhaps it’s when a shy teenager starts volunteering with house. I took to the dog mom thing right away and in time us and comes out of his shell. Or maybe it’s when a foster his separation anxiety eased. Our bond is unbreakable and I family adopts out a litter of kittens by themselves for the am forever thankful to you and the staff at BHS for bringing first time. us together. These are just a few of the examples of how your support In the coming year, the Bangor Humane Society will embark of the Bangor Humane Society changes lives, both animal upon a new strategic plan--a new beginning that focuses on and human alike. the future. The one thing in life that is constant is change, and the world of animal welfare is no different. Our strate- As you’ll read in the pages ahead, the ways these new be- gic plan will allow us to be on the forefront of that change ginnings are forged are endless – and every donor, adopt- and ensure we find new and innovative ways to save even er, staff member, volunteer, program participant and com- more lives. munity partner plays a part. Whether you fit one or all of those roles, you are a critical part of our team. Thank you for being by our side for all of these new begin- nings and for those yet to come. You are the reason all of On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to express our our accomplishments are possible. gratitude for all you do to ensure these new, happy begin- nings never come to an end. Whether you give of your time, With Gratitude, your talent, or your treasure, your contributions are vital to our work and deeply appreciated. On a personal note, I am grateful for the new beginnings Lani K. Naihe & Henry 4 l BANGOR HUMANE SOCIETY Leadership Staff Growing our Capacity Executive Director: In September, the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation awarded us a $100,000 Suzan Prendergast grant to help us strengthen our human capital for greater impact on Operations Manager: our animals. Over the next two years the grant award will help us Christopher Young grow our professional team, invest in training, professional develop- Director of Development & Public Relations: ment and competitive wages for our staff, and implement a health Stacey Coventry and wellness program to increase staff retention and improve their Bookkeeper & Office Manager: overall mental, emotional and physical well-being.