Doggie Dash is on, and Big Z and I are again dashing to save lives!

I actually became an animal lover late in life; I simply didn’t grow up around them… never had a dog or cat, neither did most of my friends. So I knew pets existed, but didn’t truly understand *why* people had them; I just hadn’t experienced how profoundly they provide companionship and comfort, as well as a good laugh when we need it.

I've experienced all of it through the animals in need who've joined our family via the Oregon Humane Society.

Each year, thousands of pets find loving homes through OHS. Some stay just a few days, while others are there for months… as long as it takes, to find their forever homes.

Tiny Lola survived Hurricane Ida and was transferred to OHS. Lola needed a home where she would be the only pet and someone who could manage her seizures and skin allergies. She was in OHS's care for almost a full year waiting for that perfect fit. When the shelter environment became overwhelming, dedicated foster parents were there for Lola while she waited for her family.

Our own dog, Big Z, is an OHS alum too and was differently-special: he’s simultaneously one of the most fearsome dog breeds on the planet (Kangal, look it up!) but often scared of other dogs--even small ones--because Z looks scary and thus gets barked at all the time. OHS was able to take in a challenge like him and match him to us… a forever family with the giant-breed experience and patience to make it all work.

Today, Lola is in a loving home, playing with toys and sleeping in laps, and Big Z is living his best life with us. All of OHS’s important work is funded by donations from animal lovers like you.

I hope you'll join me and Big Z in helping more pets from all walks of life. *Thank you* for reading our story, and considering donation!