Current Conditions
30°F - CLEAR
(682) (563) (74) (59) (6) (4)***
In the past year, 8,070 cats, 3,212 dogs, 778 birds, 76 guinea pigs, 35 hamsters, 29 rats, 19 reptiles, nine gerbils, six amphibians and 192 other mammals, such as pot-bellied pigs — a total of 11,848 animals — have come through the shelter doors, Clark says.
Animals that aren't returned to owners are either adopted, transferred to other organizations — such as rescue groups — or euthanized.
In 2006, adoption rates of adoptable dogs and cats were 76 and 77 percent respectively, Clark says.
To stay up-and-running, the shelter depends on donations and fundraisers, including the upcoming Tailwagger's Trot, Sunday, Oct. 12, at Lancaster County Central Park.
This year, for the first time, the league is hooked into the Web site www.firstgiving.com, which allows groups and individuals to run their own fundraisers, promote them online and donate the proceeds.
"This way people can designate that proceeds from a garage sale or other event to go to the Humane League," Clark says. "(The site) can also give them an idea for a fundraiser, and for people who are competitive, they can see how much other groups have raised."
In 1917, 18 women formed the Woman's Humane League of Lancaster County. In the '40s, they welcomed men into the fold and dropped the word "woman." Initially, the goal was to prevent cruelty and to care for children, the elderly and animals, but after social-service agencies began addressing issues affecting humans, the league devoted its efforts solely to animals. The Lincoln Highway shelter was established in 1956.
"There are a variety of ways people can volunteer internally, like walking and grooming dogs, working on special events and committees, but sometimes it's nice for people to define their own level of participation," Clark says.
"An event like this is win-win."
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Event organizers Mast and Helm, who both work at M&T Bank, are passionate about their pooches.
"We're both, like, obsessed with our dogs," Mast says.
Mast has a 1-year-old cockapoo, a Christmas gift from her husband, Tyler. He named the dog "Spurrier," after University of South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier.
Helm used to work at a pet store, where she bought her dog, 3-year-old Donner, a Maltese named by her fiance, James Risser. "Donner" means "thunder" in German.
"(Donner) was there a long time, and I just couldn't bear the thought of him not getting a home," Helm says.
Mast and Helm are also members of the Spurrier's Furry Friends team, which participates in the Tailwagger's Trot. It is under the team umbrella that the dogged duo will hold the wedding fundraiser.
Originally, Mast wanted to volunteer at the Humane League, but she opted for fundraising instead.
The idea of a dog-wedding benefit just popped into her head about two months ago, and Helm soon joined her on the organization end.
Veterinarian and dog-park president Dr. Jeff Steed will lead the ceremony. The vows that will be read are still in the works.
Mast has a friend's cocakapoo in mind as a mate for Spurrier, and Helm may wed Donner to a white German shepherd.
Mast says her mother-in-law, Linda Mast, is in the process of making a tux for Spurrier ... although formal attire is optional.
What about honeymoons?
Maybe a trip back to the dog park.
