The Calgary Humane Society is open 7 days a week for adoptions and surrenders (Reagan Tkatch, CMRU.ca)
In the bustling city of Calgary, the Calgary Humane Society stands as a beacon of hope and care for animals. Established in 1922, this non-profit organization has been dedicated to its mission of providing compassionate, humane services to animals in Calgary. As one of the city’s oldest and most established animal welfare organizations, the Society offers shelter, medical care, and adoption services for a wide range of animals, playing a vital role in our community.
Over 2,000 adoptions in Calgary last year
The need for such organizations is highlighted by a statistic from Humane Canada, which reported that in 2021, a staggering 81,651 dogs and cats were admitted into shelters nationwide. Bree Piotrowski, the manager of the Calgary Humane Society, highlights the dire consequences for these animals without such refuges. “If those animals have nowhere to go, they’re left for abandonment, abuse, neglect. We keep our doors open as an open-admission shelter…to provide those services and help bridge that gap,” she explains. This underscores the Society’s critical role in offering a lifeline to countless animals that would otherwise face uncertain and potentially dangerous futures.
Broad in its approach, the Society’s care extends beyond the typical domestic animals. Piotrowski points out, “We take strays outside of the city as well…everything and anything. We’ll take goats, chickens, pigs; we are the only shelter that offers these services.” This inclusivity is a testament to the Society’s commitment to all animal welfare, regardless of species.
The Society’s reliance on community support is fundamental to its operations. With over 650 active volunteers, Piotrowski stated that “it’s the dedication and compassion of these individuals that enable the Society to deliver its wide-ranging care and services.” This volunteer force represents the backbone of the Society, ensuring the welfare of the animals under its care.
From volunteering to donations, there are many ways you can support the society
- Volunteering: Dedicate time and skills in various roles, from animal care to administrative tasks.
- Fostering: Provide a temporary home for animals, offering them care and socialization until they find permanent homes.
- Donations: Contribute financially to assist with medical care, shelter maintenance, and other vital services.
- Pet Adoption: Adopt a pet from the shelter, giving an animal a loving and permanent home.
- Social Media Sharing: Use social media platforms to raise awareness about the Society’s activities, promote events, and share stories of animals available for adoption or fostering.
The Calgary Humane Society is not just an animal welfare organization but a vital part of Calgary’s community spirit, embodying our collective commitment to a humane and empathetic world for all creatures.
To discover more about the Calgary Humane Society and how you can contribute, visit their website or follow them on social media.
Author’s note
Working with the Calgary Humane Society was an enlightening journey that broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of animal welfare. My time there was not just informative but also profoundly interesting, offering a unique insight into the workings of a leading animal welfare organization.
One of the most enriching aspects of my experience was the opportunity to expand my knowledge about the Society. Engaging directly with the staff and volunteers opened my eyes to the multifaceted nature of their work. Interviewing Bree Piotrowski, the manager, was particularly illuminating. Her passion and insights provided a deeper appreciation of the Society’s mission and the challenges it faces.
Visiting the location was another highlight. It brought the reality of their work to life, far beyond what I could have understood through second-hand accounts. Witnessing the dedication and care exhibited by the volunteers firsthand was both inspiring and heartwarming. Their commitment to the animals and the Society’s cause was evident in every task they undertook, no matter how small.
However, my journey was not without its challenges. One significant hurdle I faced was consistent technical issues. These setbacks were particularly frustrating when I had to reshoot an entire section of my project. The process was time-consuming and often disheartening, as it felt like a step back each time I had to redo work I had already completed.
Despite these difficulties, the overall experience was incredibly positive. It reinforced my belief in the importance of community involvement in animal welfare and the significant impact that organizations like the Calgary Humane Society have on both animals and people. This experience has not only been an educational endeavor but also a personal growth opportunity, teaching me resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.
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