My life pretty much revolves around animals, and my desire to bring positive changes to their lives. CVHS has improved the lives of thousands of animals over the years, and while I’m proud to be a part of that, I know we would not have been able to do that without the committed support of our community.  The Walk For Animals is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s critical we meet our goals, in order to continue to help the animals. We are fully privately funded, by donations, grants, and a few fees (kept as low as possible to make sure we are accessible to the community).

My Avatar is Navy and Moss, snuggled on a bed in my CVHS office, giving them a break from their kennels. It didn't take me long to figure out that these two dogs, who came to us in different ways, from different families, were exactly what I needed in my life, as more than just the occasional overnight foster. I adopted them this past winter, and I love them both dearly. They had come to CVHS because the lives of their people had changed dramatically, and their living situations were no longer right for them. They were in the shelter longer than they should have been, with no interest in adoption, but maybe that was because they were meant for me, and I just took a while to figure that out. When I fostered them, then adopted them, it gave us more space in the shelter to care for more dogs.  That's why it's so important we help these dogs get ready for new homes, and get them into those homes as soon as possible. It truly takes a village to make that happen.

I wish I could adequately express my gratitude for every person who supports us in the work that we do, whether that support is financial, by adopting, or volunteering in the many ways we need extra help, or even just being our cheerleaders. This animal-loving community we live in is a beautiful thing.

Truly ANY amount will make a difference, and I will be so very appreciative.