By HM staff

The Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center operated by Hinsdale Humane Society has powered through a year of challenging COVID aftershocks. Fewer spay/neuter surgeries during the pandemic and an increase in strays and surrenders has resulted in a surge of homeless pets. In response, we have created new programs and more ways to help solve these issues and support community members in need. Because we believe we are stronger together, our medical team has been providing other rescue groups with discounted spay/neuter surgeries. Our goal is to help combat the current deficit of veterinarians performing these procedures that are vital to keeping pet populations manageable. With an increase in strays and surrendered pets, special adoption and social media promotions are helping us find new homes for these animals. Additionally, we brought our low-cost, basic pet care clinics and pet food pantries, to communities in need to help keep pets in their homes.

The implementation of special endowment funds and programs have helped our fundraising goals in the past year. One new fund was created by a caring family, in memory of a wonderful young man. The Zach Leathers Emergency Medical Fund provides vital care for special needs animals, allowing them to live full and happy lives. A new program, launched on Veteran’s Day, 2021, is a fitting legacy to a cherished HHS Board member. The BJ Chimenti Angel Fund for Veterans and Pets nurtures the healing powers of the human animal bond and provides ongoing support to our military veterans and active duty servicemen, women and military families. The Gebauer Family hosted their annual Golf Outing to benefit our animals in memory of their sweet daughter, Heidi. And our Match Me Up Cat Campaign, funded by Vinaya Sharma, has helped dozens of harder to adopt cats find homes. Additionally, grants, medical appeals, sponsorships and memberships help fund our work, as do numerous fundraising events and our online store. Volunteers are our lifeblood and we are consistently in awe of them. We’ve been fortunate to welcome many new ones this year. In all we do, we make sure to thank them in every way we can think of. Without them, we could not do what we do. Similarly, we would not be here without the support of our generous donors and friends. While we celebrate the victories from another tough year, we acknowledge with gratitude that none of it is possible without the support of our generous and caring community.

*Photo provided by Hinsdale Humane Society