Animals in need of homes

In time for a holiday adoption, aptly named Merry is available for adoption now at the Humane Society.

courtesy of the Hinsdale Humane Society

In time for a holiday adoption, aptly named Merry is available for adoption now at the Humane Society.

The Hinsdale Humane Society has been a driving force in the Hinsdale Community since September 17, 1959. Being the first Humane Society in the entire county, the organization continued to set an example for the following decades regarding their quality of care for the animals.

Throughout the years, thousands of cats and dogs have found new, forever-homes with loving owners, and in 2012 alone, more than 800 animals were adopted. The organization has an ever-growing staff, with 300 staff and volunteers on helping the Hinsdale Humane Society thrive.

Much of the development can be accredited to the relationship between the community and the Humane Society. With the inundation of support flowing in from residents, it provides support for the organization. The Humane Society provides a source of care for the animals, and the people of the community volunteer and adopt.

One such example of the latter comes from sophomore Payton Stifflear. Having previously adopted from the organization, she had nothing but positive things to say.

courtesy of Payton Stifflear
Sophomore Payton Stifflear adopted her puppy a few years ago from the humane society in Hinsdale.



I thought it was like the iconic ‘wanting to get a dog’ experience, like you go through and look for the one you want and I feel like I just really connected with my dog and as a young girl it was quite exciting for me,” Stifflear said. “Then […] they have to make sure you click with the dog, to see if he is suitable for you and that it is a suitable home for the dog because the Society really cares about the animals. Over the course of two days, […] I got her back, and I truly believe it to be a great experience.”

To the likes of that, local dog walker Caroline Kotarski provided similar sentiments of working with the neighborhood animals.

I really feel like it has aided the relationships I have with my neighbors as it has brought me closer to them and the dogs as well,” Kotarski said. “I love dogs, and I love spending time with them, so this job I do on the side is so much fun for me. It definitely feels like I am unifying the neighborhood, too, in a sense, since we all bond over our mutual love for dogs and the whole experience has been great for both sides.”

Sandy Hamilton, the coordinator of volunteer services at the Humane Society, noted the specifics of the connection between the volunteers at the organization along with other staff and the animals themselves.

“The Humane Society has wonderful volunteers who are committed to helping our cats and dogs. We are dependent upon their assistance in numerous ways such as:  cleaning, gardening, laundering the animal bedding and toys, assisting with our Pet Therapy program, socializing with dogs and cats, helping with our many events and so much more,” Hamilton said. “Some volunteers have joined us recently, while others have been with us for years.  We consider our volunteers to be an extension of the staff and lasting relationships have formed as a result of this.”

The organization has provided residents with loving little bundles of joy, and have been adding extra members to Hinsdale families for decades.

“When I got [a dog], it was quite exciting, it was like a ‘girl’s best friend’ kind of thing,” Stifflear said. “I really enjoy having her, she is our pampered little princess. I can’t imagine my life without her.”

The humane society is located at 22 N. Elm Street in Hinsdale.