Healing Hearts at the Heart of it All Carrie Hamel - Upper Valley Humane Society
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o matter what the Upper Valley Humane Society staff and volunteers are doing, they are all in! From adoptions to veterinary care, and pet food pantry to rehoming services, the passion, and talents of our staff and volunteers can't be overstated. Their spirit creates an energizing atmosphere filled with teamwork, kindness, laughter and unconditional love for the animals in our care. Animals like Maisey. Maisey, a dainty, green-eyed black and white cat, arrived at UVHS last fall just as the colder weather was approaching. We learned she was a stray trying to survive in a neighborhood in Hartford, VT. As is often common, people in the neighborhood simply thought she was
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a new cat in town and had a safe home. She was wearing a collar after all. However, as winter quickly approached, an animal-loving neighbor (let’s call her Sarah) noticed the cat becoming alarmingly thinner. In fact, the light blue collar was now hanging so loose it looked more like a necklace! Sarah knew this cat needed help and was determined to provide it. Using social media, she put out a late-night plea on an Upper Valley Facebook page asking to borrow a humane trap. Within minutes, the Facebook post was answered by our very own Executive Director, Nikki, who happened to be scrolling through her feed – divine intervention! However, another kind soul had already offered to loan Sarah a trap. But Nikki answered the next important question, “Once I trap her, where can she get vet care?” The answer – UVHS! Sarah and her daughter were committed to trapping the cat and from there, UVHS would provide her with medical care, love, and shelter. Sarah and Nikki were in communication over the evening, early the next morning, and throughout the next day until finally, Maisey entered the trap. It was at that moment that they knew the black and white waif with the big green eyes would see a brighter future. Maisey arrived at UVHS frightened, incredibly malnourished, loaded with fleas, and suffering from hair loss due to a nasty allergy to the fleas. She received medical care immediately, and later had a dental procedure to remove two infected teeth. A few months later, Maisey was barely recognizable! She turned out to be a beautiful cat with a friendly, endearing personality. Her coat was shining and full, and she was at a healthy body weight. I’m happy to tell you that Maisey was adopted and she’s now bringing unconditional love to her new family. Thank you to the good Samaritan who was determined to help Maisey, thank you to the staff at UVHS for nursing her back to health, and thank you to Maisey’s adopter for giving her the loving home she deserves. Summer 2022
