SPECIAL FEATURE

Putting the Human in Humane:

THE LEADING WOMEN OF WANDERERS’ REST HUMANE ASSOCIATION

Sarah Tietje-Mietz

Winnie the Pooh author A.A. Milne once wrote, “Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That's the problem.” Thankfully, the dedicated staff and volunteers at Wanderers' Rest Humane Association are listening to - and advocating for - the dogs and cats of the Madison County region.

Wanderers' Rest, located at 7138 Sutherland Drive in Canastota, is celebrating 40 years of providing the “highest quality care and compassion for the animals entrusted to us while leading our community in creating a more humane society.” A trio of tenacious and capable women are together driving this mission forward: adoption coordinator Vicky Arnold, office manager Danielle Schermerhorn, and executive shelter manager Sabrina Wilcox at the helm.

“This is the most emotional job I've ever experienced. When you see dogs or cats come in, in some of the conditions they do or you hear their stories, it's heartbreaking. And your goal is to get those animals a better life,” said Wilcox. “And I have the staff who does it. They are the voices of the animals. They stand up for them, and that's the most important thing.”

Wilcox began her career with the non-profit in 2015 as a part-time dog kennel attendant with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science, and in six years transitioned into the fulltime leadership role while simultaneously earning a master’s degree in anthrozoology. The leadership and direction Wilcox has brought in her role at Wanderers’ Rest is impressive. In 2019 alone, the organization hosted 90 offsite adoption events, facilitated 340 adoptions, created multiple opportunities for animal education and, most notably, officially transitioned to a no-kill facility. A capital campaign effort is underway to raise funds for a new facility in Oneida, which will expand the work done on-site and center them as a more integral resource for the community.

Wilcox is quick to credit her team with making the achievements of the organization possible. The close-knit staff of eight wears many hats, and none hesitate to jump in and roll up their sleeves when needed. They have gone so far as helping people locate animal-friendly housing to avoid separating the animals from their humans. Arnold can often be found washing the armloads of bedding for the animals when not scheduling spay and neuter appointments with vets, fielding a majority of incoming calls, or facilitating surrenders and adoptions. Arnold’s own cat, Pickle, came through Wanderers' Rest almost three years ago. He initially went home with Arnold as a foster, but quickly established himself permanently in her heart and home.

Photos, letters, and updates from families of adopted animals are treasured mementos for the team at Wanderers' Rest, having all invested so much of themselves into making these adoptions possible. Though each animal’s stay is not permanent, the impact each one has on the staff is long lasting.

“They say that with shelter animals, you can literally see the gratitude in their eyes, and they know that something really good is happening,” said Arnold. “It's just a great feeling when they leave the shelter. They're not leaving our hearts; they're going to stay in our hearts forever.”

Schermerhorn echoed the sentiment, adding that knowing there are more people out there to match with sheltered and fostered animals helps keep her going in her job.

Schermerhorn is a long-time animal advocate and joined the team at Wanderers' Rest after initially coming on as a volunteer a few years back. Her role allows her to continue her advocacy work through humane education and outreach events that engage community participation and awareness. To her, the community’s engagement is invaluable to the work done at Wanderer’s Rest, be it volunteering, donating,

or by sharing information about the animals and events.

Despite the pandemic, there are still many volunteer and engagement opportunities for the public - on site or from home - with Wanderers' Rest. Schermerhorn stresses that if someone is interested in helping, all they need to do is reach out and the team will help facilitate it. Aside from volunteering, the community can help in other ways by adopting or fostering pets or by dropping off donations like blankets, cleaning supplies, or food for their food bank program. No effort or donation is too small, especially when it comes to financial gifts, which all three women stressed as the most impactful way to support Wanderers' Rest. It all goes a long way in supporting their mission, and at its core, the animals. Because for Schermerhorn, and everyone at Wanderers’ Rest, it is all about the animals.

“You know, when you come in the morning and seeing those faces is the best part of the day,” said Schermerhorn. “I work with animals all day. Everything I do contributes to an animal, so what better job could you have?” If you are interested in supporting Wanderers' Rest, or are looking to foster or adopt, please call 315-697-4065, or visit: wanderersrest.org/. SWM