2013 was a big year for our heroes. Texas Humane Heroes saw a lot of changes – we merged to include the location in Killeen, launched projects like our solar installation system, and adopted out 27% more animals than the previous year. Look below for our highlights from the year.
In January of 2013, Humane Society of Williamson County and CenTexas Humane Society- 2nd Chance Animal Adoption center joined together to create Texas Humane Heroes. Together, TXHH is able to effect more change and more help animals in Central Texas. The headquarters are at the Leander location, but this allows both organizations to expand and continue the No Kill mission throughout Central Texas. Additionally, our Leander location has received a $50,000 grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club to install a solar array to help power the shelter and reduce operating costs. It will come with an educational display to inform visitors about renewable energy.
Our events this year surpassed even our expectations and hopes for growth. Specifically, the Chili Cookoff, Rogue Rescue Run, and Winter Wonderland were all bigger and better than before. The chili cook off was a favorite and was attended by more than 200 people. Last year, this event doubled revenue from 2012. It will be happening again in February and we expect it to be similarly successful this year. This is in addition to many adoption events held throughout the year, all of which further our mission of finding homes for the animals under our roofs.
We take pride in the heroes who adopt the dogs and cats from the shelter. This year, we specially honored four families who chose pets (or did the pets choose them?) from Texas Humane Heroes. First, we selected the Harris family who added the beautiful Summer to their home. They remarked at how “she went to the dog bed like she knew it was hers all along.” Next, the Benker family showed their love for our four-legged friends and adopted both Daisy and Lily, who became instant “bffs.” For our third quarter hero, we selected the Haynes family. They went in to the adoption process thinking they knew what they wanted but instead found a pup almost completely opposite. “What can we say, Coco just ended up in our laps and we all fell in love.” Last, but not least, we celebrated Kylie, who found her soul mate pup, Fievel, while working at the Texas Humane Heroes shelter. Altogether, these four hero families are just a slice of the amazing people who help by adopting from TXHH.
Looking back on 2013, it was a great year for all our heroes and we are eagerly anticipating a spectacular 2014.