Hello friends... I deleted the pre-provided script that came with this site to write what *really* matters to us. I'm hoping that you can help us to support the Oregon Humane Society, an organization that is specifically very important to our family!

Why? Easily answered:
- OHS is one of the premier animal-welfare organizations in the world (yes, the world!)
- over the past 25 years, we ourselves have had OHS pets numbering in the double-digits (5 big dogs, 6 cats, and counting)
- the 'Doggie Dash' fun run is OHS's single biggest fundraising event, but COVID-19 of course forced its cancellation earlier this summer... it's now morphed into a "safely run/walk in your own neighborhood" event.

Yes, 2020 is a shitty time in general, and especially to be asking friends for donations. But even with everything that has happened this year, OHS is still committed to their mission.

I said that OHS is world class, and one big reason why is that they *never put time limits on how long pets remain at their shelter.* The vast majority of animal shelters are only able to hold pets until they're out of room, and then they're euthanized.

OHS excels at connecting animals with the right forever homes, no matter their issues: age, medical or behavioral. (Everyone loves new puppies and kittens, come on.) Even when bonded pairs of best-friend pets end up at OHS, they stay for as long as it takes to find a loving adoptive home together.  In fact, OHS's placement rates are *so high* that pets are routinely trucked here from other states' "high-kill" shelters, so they are guaranteed to find new homes.

During the pandemic, OHS has stepped up to help pets and people. After donating all of their own PPE to local hospitals and emergency services, their medical team used handmade masks and scrubs to continue to treat and heal pets.

Other little-known facts: besides connecting pets with new families, OHS has a full onsite hospital. And they have a whole Investigations team that seeks justice for abused or neglected animals and continues to check in on pets when community members call with concerns. OHS really does give a voice to the voiceless.

Last year Big Z (our 145-pound Anatolian Shepherd, adopted from OHS) ran his first Doggie Dash and had the best day of his life... he ran the almost 3-mile course in a sub-8-minute pace. And that included stopping to take a dump in the middle of the course. Him, not me. (^__^)

We'll recreate that run again this year; I'm hoping you'll support us with anything you can donate to provide compassionate care for pets from all walks of life. THANK YOU in advance for helping OHS to continue their important work! 

- JFed (and Big Z)