2020 Hometown Heroes

2020 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS May 14, 2020 Page 47 COMMUNITY: WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER! Humane Society’s good work continues behind closed doors Adoptions possible under social distancing practices CONTINUED u O n any given day there are dozens of animals at the Humane Society of Logan County Shelter who need attention. From feeding to cleaning and exercise, the animals in the care of the no-kill shelter can’t be ignored even during a stay at home order. After all, they are staying at home, and they need someone to check in on them, just as we need neighbors, friends and family to check in on us. Therefore, the fifteen plus volunteers at the shelter are still performing their duties behind locked doors. While the general public is not currently permitted to just drop in at will, the society is also still promoting pet adoption and following up on adoption applications. According to Wanda Stevens, who is an ever constant volunteer along with Mary Dowdel, the shelter has seen no increased interest in pet adoption due to the stay at home rule, but she thinks it would be good for people to think about it. Pets are a valuable asset to a family and especially to those who are living alone. They provide companionship, they are excellent listeners (especially dogs) and they are also much attuned to the well-being of their human counterparts. There are many stories of how that pets drew attention to health emergencies and how they loved and cared for their human until help did arrive, giving comfort and showing concern. Pets are used in special scenarios such as therapy dogs for those who are in the hospital or a managed care facility because they are uplifting and engaging when we are lonely and blue.