Thanks to you- We are still serving!
- LCHS, Inc
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
Thanks to so many of you, Leavenworth County Humane Society Inc., is still serving!
On February 4th,, the small group who met couldn’t see a way to continue. It was that dire. We had 34 dogs IN THE SHELTER, and more than twice that many cats. Caring for all those pets was not only exhausting, it was over the top expensive. Efficiencies are great, but sub-standard care is NOT.
When we shared that we were going to have to close (and we really thought we would), so so so many people came forward to help.
Donors (familiar and new) responded in such an amazing way. For words of encouragement, and for every single donation, from $5 gifts to those in the thousands, we are extremely grateful. We could NOT do what we do without each and every one of you.
Colleagues from Humane Society of Greater KC, Great Plains SPCA, Midwest Animal ResQ helped tremendously in February, taking on dozens of dogs and cats who were in our care. Only one of those transferred is still waiting for adoption, thanks to the amazing people at those organizations. We cannot thank you enough for loving them as much as we do.
Moving forward, it is essential that we maintain those partnerships and create others that allow us to transfer to like-minded shelters / rescues, many with their own veterinary clinics and more adopter traffic than we have here in Lansing. Taking them in is good (and why we’re here); moving them out well is SO much better!
We are continuing to fulfill our contracts with the cities of Basehor and Lansing. We value those partnerships.
Remember that the contract between Riverview Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office only guarantees sheltering for pets impounded in connection to a law enforcement case. That leaves hundreds of pets in our county each year with no certain safe place to be until claimed by owners or adopted to new homes.
Looking long term, the financially minded among us are beating the numbers to death, looking for additional efficiencies and sources of income. We are focused on what’s reasonable to expect, what’s realistic, what’s backed by data. We’re not discounting hope and faith and your kindness, but those are hard to hand to funders, creditors and the bank.
We are exploring ways the innocent ones found in areas where the Sheriff is the Animal Control Authority can be cared for. We are sharing information with the Sheriff’s Office and individual County Commissioners to come up with possible ways those pets’ needs can be met. By us or by someone else.
Our Fundraising Committee has new co-chairs, and fresh members, with future fun and creative events popping up like dandelions! Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram to stay up to date!
Our Business Champion program has launched! If you know a business or run a business that would like to hear what we have to offer, say the word! There are several levels of giving that will get you all sorts of great stuff to share with your team and your clients! Maybe even bring you new business!!
Whatever you may have heard, whatever so and so said, if you want to know what’s going on with LCHS, Inc., just ask us! That’s the only way to get the truth. We’ve heard some pretty astounding un-truths, speculation and rumors. Most are well-intended, just uninformed.
This note is long, but the short message is we’re still here, we’re still saving lives and changing them for the better. Our team (staff AND volunteer) is working so so hard to make sure we can keep doing what we do, because they need us. We cannot do it without you.
The Board will meet again soon and again discuss our way forward. We’ll update you after that!!
Thank you!
Crystal Swann Blackdeer, Executive Director
Leavenworth County Humane Society, Inc.
100 W Gilman Road, Lansing, KS 66043
www.LCHSInc.org | 913-250-0506
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