As a way to show gratitude for their dedication and connect them to the mission they so generously support, Directors’ Council members engage in unique animal experiences with DCHS. Special experiences in 2019 included a behind-the-scenes tour of the DCHS Wildlife Center and an in-depth look at DCHS’s Animal Medical Services, a Kittens & Koffee event and participation in wildlife releases of more than 50 baby snapping turtles and a red-tailed hawk.
Celebrating the Directors’ Council in 2019! As Directors’ Council member Liz Zelandais reflects, “When we began supporting Dane County Humane Society over a decade ago as both adopters and donors, it was initially driven by our love for animals and the hope of ‘no dog or cat left behind’ without a forever home. What we’ve discovered over the years is that we’re not only supporting that dream, but so much more. It’s an investment in our entire community. DCHS does indeed save dogs and cats—and rabbits, horses, eagles, beavers, lizards, pelicans… an endless list. That would be more than enough for any shelter—yet it doesn’t stop there. It improves the lives of people—sometimes in dramatic ways. It facilitates pet food pantries so families who are struggling economically don’t have to make the terrible choice of giving up a beloved pet when finances won’t stretch to cover the needs of their companion animals. When someone facing domestic violence has to get to safety, DCHS helps foster their pets until they can be reunited in a stable environment.
When it comes to the save rate, we appreciate that DCHS doesn’t just “cherry-pick” the most adoptable animals so it has good statistics. They take everything that comes through their doors, and are transparent about their numbers—which are incredibly good. Being asked to step up to the Directors’ Council level has been a privilege, and allowed us even more of an inside look at the miracle-making facility known as DCHS. Touring the barn and seeing the wonderful expansion for saving chickens, horses, pigs, goats and other larger animals was both eye-opening and heart-warming. Releasing baby snapping turtles at Lake Wingra was the highlight of a perfect summer day. These were just two of the opportunities we were afforded as part of the Directors’ Council this past two years.
DCHS is truly a treasure in our community. As with anything we value, it requires an investment of love, energy, time and money to keep it vibrant. We are so happy to be a part of that equation.” Join the Directors’ Council and receive updates and invitations to exclusive animal experiences throughout the year.
For questions regarding the DCHS Directors’ Council, please contact Gwen Kochan, Associate Director of Development at gkochan@giveshelter.org or (608) 838-0413 ext. 117.
