For information on how to join, more about the program or how to become a corporate sponsor, contact Coach Amy at talbothumanevolunteer@gmail.com or 410-822-0107

25 Years

I am experiencing a lot of “the feels” lately. Maybe it is the holidays. Likely has a lot to do with surviving the past several years of challenges in many aspects of life! Definitely in part realizing that I have spent almost half my life and most of my professional career at Talbot Humane as of this month. The first day I walked into the small “house” with kennels off the back I had absolutely no idea just how it would change my life forever, and I have rarely looked back. I have made life long friends and met some of the most amazing people. I have foster hundreds of animals and loved even more than that- once I even fell in love with a human- my forever supportive husband who has been through much of this journey with me.

I have said it before, but it bears being on repeat. Animal Welfare in 1999 and Animal Welfare today are vastly different beasts. 1999 there was no Animal Cops on a cable TV network. There was no social media. There was barely email. It was a different world. Hard painful facts. 1999 more animals left in the freezer than out the front door- and that was most shelters across the country. This sounds brutal but it is true. Why was this? Were we unfeeling monsters? Nope. It is simple. You don’t know what you don’t know.  We were just keeping our heads above water and saving those we could. I would leave every Thursday afternoon and say a prayer for those who would not be here when I returned on Sunday morning. You must WANT better for the animals and people of your community and do the hard work to effect change.  We wanted to do better, and we did. Staff from the day I started as an animal caregiver at Talbot Humane (then Talbot County Humane Society) didn’t just sit by and say, “oh well, we are stuck here.” Or “We can’t do that”. They said “What can we do to make a difference. How can we change this.”

Boundaries were tested- A LOT. I remember people asking “who do you all think you are” when we fought for animals to have proper shelter. We had residents complain to the county council that we were too innovative, that we worried too much about “their property.” Can you imagine that today? Our spay neuter program also celebrates 20 years this year. We had people fighting with us that they didn’t need their pet fixed. They thought we were “crazy animal people” and I heard this more than once- “It’s their animals God given right to have babies”… Now, for 20 years we have ensured all animals are spayed or neutered prior to adoption and provide free and reduced services to residents- more than 1,300 surgeries a year.

Through the years I have also grown beyond words. Some hard lessons, some great successes. Thanks to board of directors through the years that believe in growth of staff and that an educated staff creates a better organization, I have been able to grow exponentially in the field. I have had the joy of meeting thousands of amazing people in my roles, serving the people and pets not only here in Talbot County but throughout Maryland and beyond. I have the honor of serving as president of the state association for animal control and shelters, and the special honor of serving on the Maryland board of veterinary examiners as well as the Maryland Spay Neuter board.  I am one of only 300 in North America who has earned the Certified Animal Welfare Administrator credential. I owe this to the support of my family, friends, team, volunteers and colleagues.

Along with these personal successes and incredible experiences, I have also had my share of prickly moments. Missteps in the field. Threats of violence when you show up to check on the welfare of an animal (and nope- I did not leave!) Resistance to change. Having people openly criticize when you have to make the tough decisions. Experiencing your team judged for doing the hard work of cleaning up societies messes can all take their toll. All being said, I learn every day from my team, our community and my colleagues. Sometimes those uncomfortable moments bring the biggest opportunities of growth personally and for TH.

I feel like I could write a book (or several) on the different aspects of shelter life, of what we see, what we REALLY do, and what we feel in a 24 hour period. I am thankful for the moments that have brought me here. I am grateful our community has entrusted me with leading our team of crazy coconuts- staff and volunteers alike. And Universe willing, I have many years ahead continuing to serve the pets and the people who love them.

For the animals,

Patty

It is pretty amazing when you consider the support our community provides to Talbot Humane. Whether it is a local business collecting supplies and food, a community group running a fundraiser or children stepping up for the animals, the impact they make on the animals of our community cannot be understated. From foster parents taking the sick and scared into their homes to our volunteers who come in EVERY DAY to provide love and support to the animals, we are blessed.

We thank each of you for what you bring to our community and our organization. You are all the proof we need that The Best Shelter is a Humane Community. 

Boutique is open both days for your shopping needs! 

The Cookie Walk is Back for year 15! We are continuing with the pre-orders as we have in recent years. All orders must be in by NOON on Saturday December 7th.

Pick up of boxes is Saturday December 14th at the Pawsitively Fabulous Boutique next to Talbot Humane between 10Aa- 4:45P.

Get your order in TODAY!

https://form.jotform.com/pattycquimby/talbot-humane-annual-cookie-walk-24

Our annual Holiday Raffle is BACK!

More than 50 baskets valued at $500-$750 each thanks to our generous community will be raffled from early November- the week before Christmas! Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Each basket promises to bring you your own holiday joy!

This year we have 3 stand alone tickets available for very special prizes. Selling only 200 of each, your chances to win are great!

• Paul Reed Smith SE electric guitar and swag thanks to friends to the animals Christie Woodard
• $1,000 gift certificate from Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island to be used at the hotel or restaurant
• 2 night stay at the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay Resort

Tickets may be purchased at the  Holiday Boutique (starting November 1st) at Talbot Humane, at our community events or from select volunteers. You may also purchase here:

https://form.jotform.com/pattycquimby/talbot-humane-holiday-raffle-2024

Shop opens November 1st at 10A!

Raffles return!  New items and traditional gifts will delight every shopper- not just for animal people!

All proceeds benefit the animals served by Talbot Humane.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Megan Dornton TODAY at megandornton@gmail.com or call 410-822-0107

The 53rd Annual Waterfowl Festival is upon us and Talbot Humane is teaming up with “The Festival” to make the event more enjoyable for dog owners and raise funds for the animals! We will be providing short term (2 hour maximum) dog watchers for attendees who want to enjoy the fine arts tents and other exhibits which do not permit pets. Currently we are looking for volunteers to step up and help! Groups welcome. Those volunteering directly with the animals must be able to walk, bend, lift, and be able to handle dogs of different breeds, sizes and strengths. We are also in need of volunteers to do the registration and payment portion of the event. 

CLICK HERE AND SIGN UP OR SCAN QR CODE!

We are thrilled to once again be a part of this amazing event! Proxy bids accepted until October 14th, Live Auction on Saturday October 19th. 

Learn more now: https://portofoxford.com/pickets-2024/ 

Sunday November 17th join us for a fun afternoon of painting your pet with Josepha! 

$90 registration includes ALL supplies and snacks and drinks for the afternoon. 

After registration you will be contacted for the photo you wish to us. Photos will need to be submitted electronically by Sunday November 3, 2024 in preparation for the event. 

There are only 16 spots- so don’t miss out! 

Register Now! 

OR SCAN