We Are Zeus

“Reinventing the Shelter Dog”

By Mary Ann Hutcheson

Elaine Henderson, founder and CEO at We Are Zeus (WAZ) in Lexington, has been rescuing animals for twenty years, transforming her mission into a dedicated, full-fledged 5013c organization in April 2023. Her love of animals began on weekends when she volunteered with her mother at shelters, where she rescued her own shelter pet for the first time in 1995. Her parents took every stray to the vet, and her staunch military father was a softy when it came to dogs. He'd say, "Get it to the vet!"

Zeus, Elaine’s dog at that time, happened to be a pit bull, a hearty breed that unfortunately carries a negative stereotype. "More pit bulls seem to be in shelters because there are more pit bulls out there,” she says. “Everything looks like a pit bull now. The breed has been overbred, is first on the euthanasia list, and is the first dumped. That's what usually lands in our lap." Named after Elaine's beloved dog, We Are Zeus was initially launched in April 2015. "It's hard to believe it's been ten years," she says.

We Are Zeus is a 100% volunteer nonprofit that depends solely on public donations to accomplish its mission of reinventing the shelter dog. This work utilizes resources to rescue dogs from animal shelters, providing support and services necessary to rehabilitate and train dogs, which include fostering, vetting, and adoption into permanent homes. Elaine and Vice President/Program Director, Tami Shaffer, have tirelessly devoted their time and love to making this happen. Both willingly volunteer their free time managing We Are Zeus, as well as working full-time jobs and juggling families. They cover transportation and other regularly occurring expenses out-of-pocket, but neither draws a salary.

Because it is a non-euthanized program, over 80% of dogs that are received by We Are Zeus have come from euthanasia lists. Another great benefit is that they accept strays and surrendered animals. If a dog has a reactivity issue (reacting to other dogs, people, or some other fear), the program raises money for a trainer to work with it, and the dog becomes adoptable again. Often, abuse or improper training significantly contributes to a dog being unwanted. "We do not discriminate," Henderson emphasizes. “We Are Zeus is open to all animals in need, regardless of breed or species. We've currently got a Weimaraner, a Coonhound, a Heeler, Labradors, Pit Bulls, Yorkies, cats… you name it," she says.

“Owner retention and shelter prevention” means if you can't afford your dog, We Are Zeus may provide food and help you with medical care for your pet. They help pet owners maintain ownership of their dog, which is a huge part of the overall mission; but it is costly. Running a nonprofit full-time is a dream, but it is not without challenges, and the financial strain can be significant. Currently, Elaine and Tammy rely on public donations and fundraising. Sometimes, unexpected heroes appear to donate funds, or lend a helping hand. This initiative also desires to instill servitude within the next generation, such as Elaine’s son; he has caught the volunteer bug! He doesn't hesitate to approach people at the park and ask if their dog is microchipped. If not, he proudly tells them his mom can do that. They now have four dogs and three cats, all rescues.

Rescuing animals and transforming them into happy, friendly and healthy pets is a tough and expensive job, but the rewards and satisfaction far outweigh the tasks. Remember, you do not have to permanently adopt an animal to help, you could temporarily foster, perform administrative tasks, collect donations, share awareness with your community, or offer transportation, etc. There are always loose ends, outstanding chores/tasks, or forgotten paperwork when it comes to taking care of furbabies.

We Are Zeus needs the public's support because they simply can't do it alone. However, the love and dedication they have for their mission keeps it going. "It's a 24-hour job, but it's not work to me. I know the outcome, and that's just so rewarding," Elaine says. Tami remarks, “Elaine's vision has endless potential, and we're saving animals. So, if you're an animal lover, you're aware of what that unconditional love between a rescue and its human feels like. We want every dog to have that love and security in a permanent home and for as many humans as possible to experience the love of a rescue animal.”