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The Humane Society of Louisiana
December 2008
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Meows, Woofs, Wags--and our Warmest Wishes
to you and yours this Holiday Season!
 Molly (Once known as Nestle!)
We hope you enjoy seeing some pictures of the more
than 3000 animals you helped us rescue, shelter,
aid and defend in 2008.
There is a wonderful happy ending for "Wilson" recounted at the end of our email....
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When Nugget the prairie dog's guardian deployed to Iraq, we found a home for him.
Willy Wonka will start the new year right--in a new home
Dear Friend:
All of us at the Humane Society of Louisiana are working hard to make holiday dreams for animals come true. Homes for the homeless. Shelter, care, and compassion for the abused, neglected and forgotten. There's no limit to what we can achieve, when our friends and members put their compassion into action.
But we're all feeling the pinch in these tough economic times. Many of our generous supporters will simply not be in a position to contribute this year. As we plan our budget for 2009, we're understandably concerned about our ability to carry out our lifesaving programs.
That's why, if you are in a position to help this holiday season, no matter how small your gift, it's particularly important to the Humane Society of Louisiana this year. Our crew will work harder and smarter than ever, but we must rely on our good friends, who have never let the animals down.
If you can, consider joining our Paws Cause monthly pledge club. It's truly the very best way to help. The combined generosity of supporters like you provides a consistent funding source we can count on each month. Club members receive alerts by mail or email, with photographs of some of the animals their contributions are actively helping to support.
Ligeia (left), who's still very afraid of people, suffered neglect by a breeder before
escaping Katrina with us. Feral cat, Mamie (center), also fled with us to escape
Katrina. Our slightly larger new guest pictured here, is Rosie. She was rescued
from neglect along with two other lucky pony pals.
Also, as you are almost certainly aware, times were very tough for us before this financial crisis even began! We lost our New Orleans shelter in Katrina, and we are still operating our primary sheltering program at our largely undeveloped rural property, where we first evacuated our animals to escape the hurricane.
In 2008, however, we took many positive steps forward in our ongoing recovery. Through the sheer determination of our great team and the incredible kindness of people like you, we've moved closer and closer to rebuilding a permanent infrastructure--recruiting new local donors and volunteers, starting new fundraising events, and initiating new programs.
This year, we finally sold our property in New Orleans, where our shelter once stood. While we received much less than we had hoped for in this extremely difficult market--we were able to finally pay off our mortgage and retire other unforeseen expenses related to our massive Katrina relief effort.
At the same time, we have continued to make improvements at our Tylertown facility, where we operate a lifesaving adoption transport program to the East Coast and care for 125 animals rescued or evacuated during Katrina. Many of these animals, who survived against incredible odds, are unlikely to be adopted--because they are elderly, feral, or have special medical needs, so we are providing them with sanctuary care.
Elmo, left, was adopted this month--just in time for the holidays, while Frac (right), and his brother, Fric, found great homes several months ago. We recently helped this beautiful injured hawk, who will soon be flying free again!
Since our inception 20 years ago in 1988, the Humane Society of Louisiana has directly aided more than 65,000 animals, and we have touched the lives of countless thousands of others, through our diverse programs. We have:
--rewritten and expanded many state and local animal protection laws;
--ended cruel practices at substandard pounds;
--waged a successful, ongoing anti-dogfighting campaign across Louisiana;
--taken on roadside zoos and inhumane pet breeders;
--aided in the formation of scores of new animal protection groups & chapters;
. . . .and much more!
Kacey, left, and her newborn pups were rescued in cooperation with our friends at the St. John parish shelter, with the help of volunteers who rallied to save their lives. Starving puppies, Cheyenne & Dakota, were rescued from the abysmal Franklinton pound. And, the handsome Bo, right, is one of several hounds seized in a cruelty case.
We know we will make it through these difficult economic times and will continue to provide our critically needed services, because of the compassion and support of people like you.
All of us at the Humane Society of Louisiana extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a magical season and wonderful new year.
On behalf of the animals we serve, we thank you for helping to make their dreams come true.
Sincerely,
Dana Nesbitt
President, Board of Directors
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A 'Happy Tail' for the Holiday Season
Some of you may remember Wilson, whose miraculous story of survival began last December....
  This time last year, Wilson was found helpless and dying in the weeds alongside a rural highway. Healthy and healed, our guy Wilson will finally celebrate the holidays in a home with loving family this December!
Humane Society of Louisiana Animal Services Director, Johnna Harris, has all too often known the heartbreak of caring for sick, injured and dying animals over the years. Few have made such a remarkable recovery as Wilson.This time last year, Johnna miraculously spotted something out of the corner of her eye, as she drove down a rural highway in the HSL adoption van. Suspecting she may have seen an animal in trouble, she took the time to circle back and eventually found Wilson lying alone in the weeds. He was starving, hairless and covered with sores; he was also injured and unable to move. He clearly appeared to be on the verge of death.After she gathered Wilson into the van, Johnna prepared herself for the reality that the veterinarian would most likely recommend euthanasia as the only humane option in his case. Surprisingly, with treatment and tender love and care, however, Wilson fought hard to overcome his horrible ordeal. Although we at first thought his injured leg would have to be amputated, it was able to be saved, and his healing was complete after his subsequent treatment for heartworms.Wilson's long journey to happiness will end in this year in a loving new home. He made the trip up to New Hampshire this December-- again with his guardian angel, Johnna Harris. Wilson's rescue and recovery was truly miraculous, and we think it's remarkably fitting that he find a home during this magical season.  Happy Holidays!! 
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Looking for something special for the animal lovers on your Christmas shopping list? It's not too late to make a Christmas donation to HSL! There is still plenty of time for us to mail or email an acknowledgment of your gift in time for Christmas! Go to our website, click on donate and scroll down to "Christmas Gift Donations." Give another click, complete the form, submit it and we'll do the rest.
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