South Pacific County Humane Society: Kia Pet Adoption Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

We were able to reduce adoption fees for eight dogs and seven cats.

Many of the adopters were considered to be part of the senior population of the community and were on a fixed income. We advertised on our Facebook page and in our monthly e-newsletters that go out to our shelter followers.

How many pets did this grant help?

15

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

In early January 2025, a German shepherd was brought to the South Pacific County Humane Society in Long Beach, Washington, by local law enforcement. The owner of the dog was arrested for committing gun crimes. The officers brought the dog to us as it appeared to them that the dog had been abused.

At first glance at the local veterinary hospital, it appeared that she suffered from chemical burns to her skin. She had to be hospitalized for three days with antibiotics, pain medication, and fluids. Her condition was so precarious that the clinic staff could not touch her for those days.

After she stabilized, they trimmed the fur to look at her burns. Then they cleaned the dead tissue around the burns. She was sent back to the shelter with three weeks worth of antibiotic and pain medication and had to have medicated baths.

Fifteen days after she was initially brought to the shelter by law enforcement, she became a shelter animal. We named her Amber and she was such a sweet girl. Everyone loved walking her because she was such a calm walk. She was a very laid-back German shepherd.

One of our volunteers took her home as a foster. In another example of what we call “a foster fail,” the volunteer finalized Amber’s adoption on Tuesday, May 6. What a great end to this story about a dog who deserves the best life to live.