Numbers devoid of context are meaningless. Without a frame of reference, the number "140" is insignificant; even when we tell you that "140" represents the years the Kingston Humane Society has been around, it's not an anniversary that comes with a status like gold, diamond or platinum. So why are we celebrating? The answer is simple. It's about the stories. Since it was established in 1884 the Kingston Humane Society estimates it has saved over 100,000 animals. Each animal was important and each one of them had a story.
Those stories are what motivated me to start writing this blog in August of 2019. Those stories are what keep us going despite the stress and emotions inherent in what we do. Those stories are what connect us to the community, to our donors and to our volunteers.
Remember Riggs, the abused Mastiff who arrived here with two siblings after being abandoned on Division Street near the 401? He cowered under my desk for weeks before learning that he could trust the humans around him. His five-month transformation from a terrified shell of a dog to energized and playful giant filled my heart. He now lives with his adopted forever family, including a Mastiff sister named "Indy" who has taught him about being a dog.
How about Crane? He was one of seven feral huskies discovered in a field in Central Frontenac. Not long after Crane came into our care, he escaped and was on the run for 17 days. He crossed the 401 several times and travelled more than 90 square kilometers before finally being re-captured by a dedicated team of KHS staff and community volunteers. During that time, he miraculously avoided injury but lost more than 25% of his body weight. Crane now lives happily in his forever home with his two BFF's - who just happen to be cats. Not only has he regained all his weight, he might just be a little pudgy but it's a healthy pudgy.
We definitely take pride in numbers like an adoption rate that hovers at 30% above the Provincial and National average, but beneath that percentage, emails like this truly drive the point home. "As we approach one year with Sky, I thought I'd send a quick update. The first couple of months with Sky were a bit rocky, but as she grew to trust us, she's become part of the family. She's my shadow and very attuned to my emotions; she's my best friend and a great protector of, and sister to, my son, Coley.  Coley and I want to again thank the entire KHS team for everything you did for Sky - all you do for every animal."
We're also proud that despite regularly operating at 100 animals over our capacity, we strictly maintain a policy of never euthanizing an animal based on our limited space or their extended time in our care. No story illustrates that better than Miss Le Chat, the cat with cerebellar hypoplasia aka "Wobbly Cat Syndrome." After 508 days in our care, we matched her with Dawn, and Miss Le Chat has been in her forever home for more than a year and a half, living her best life.
Those are just a few examples plucked from thousands, but they demonstrate why the stories will always outshine the numbers and why we're committed to finding every animal a loving, forever home. The biggest difficulty in sticking to that commitment is the cost. Over the last year expenses have risen more quickly than at any other point in our history and at times, that has challenged us, but we have never wavered. Our stories, their stories and your stories live on because of that single, guiding principle and our refusal to give in no matter what the challenge.
So, on Friday, August 23^rd, we hope you'll come down to Springer Market Square and celebrate the stories behind our 140^th anniversary. It may just be a number but Riggs, Crane, Miss Le Chat and all the other lives behind that number definitely deserve a party.