Executive Director Focus

Dear Friends,

For months now I have been waiting. Waiting for 2020 to be behind us. This year has brought us a deadly pandemic, global and local wildfires, political and social unrest and, on top of it all, murder hornets. I know - I almost forgot about them, too. Seriously though, what a year it has been! It has changed the way we stay connected with family and friends, how we buy our groceries, and how we are going about everyday life. Some days, I am exhausted and frustrated and I just want my “normal” back. I just want to move on from 2020 and get a fresh start in the new year.

But, then I remember all the positive things that have happened in 2020. At the start of the pandemic, shelters across the United States were flooded with individuals and families looking to adopt or foster pets in need. People everywhere brushed up on their sewing, cooking, and gardening skills. I planted and grew my first garden this past year. Puzzles, board games, and drive-in movie theaters became cool again. Individuals and communities came together to honor and support health care workers and essential workers as heroes and Zoom helped keep us all connected to each other while still social distancing.

For SafeHaven, 2020 brought many of its own challenges, but in those challenges, we also saw the good. Our friends and donors helped us hire a new veterinarian for our medical suite and, to date, we have completed 915 spay and neuter surgeries right here at SafeHaven! You supported us when our events and fundraising went virtual and you continued to support the animals who had no idea what a crazy year it has been. You reached out, you stayed connected with SafeHaven, and you faithfully were there for us in this unsettling time. I can not even begin to tell you what that meant to me and the animals! You continued to support our life saving work and an important realization happened for many people throughout communities around the United States:

During this past year, people have needed animals as much as the animals have needed us. Pets are providing companionship and joy during this time of social distancing, and are bringing much needed laughter and fun into our homes. Pets are helping each of us cope with the unsettling world we live in right now and, as we move forward into 2021, the one thing I know for certain is that SafeHaven will be here helping connect pets with people, because we need each other!

For the animals,

Chris Storm Executive Director

Executive Director Focus.................. 1

Holidays at SafeHaven.......................6

Did you know you could donate your cans and bottles? There are a few different ways to take advantage of this program!

First, SafeHaven will always take recyclable cans and bottles at the shelter or either Gift and Thrift location. We will take any can, glass bottle, or plastic bottle that has its label and a deposit requirement. They can be in any type bags or boxes and do not need to be rinsed, though it is appreciated.

Second, people can utilize the blue bags that BottleDrop provides. These bags have a barcode on them that enable them to be returned directly to any BottleDrop location through the drop door, or at the customer service desk. Empty bags are available at the shelter. Full blue bags can also be returned to the shelter or either Gift and Thrift location.

Third, if you already have a bottle or can hoard (at least a 13 gallon garbage bag or more) SafeHaven can come pick it up. Bottles and cans would need to already be bagged or boxed up.

The fourth and final way you can participate is, if you are a member of the green bag program with BottleDrop, you can donate directly from your account! If you want to learn more, email communityoutreach@safehavenhumane.com. Thank you!