2022 was a year full of “more” for The Cochrane and Area Humane Society. More public visits, more animals, more need.

Janine Rossler, executive director at the Cochrane Humane Society says one of the best parts of the year was being able to reopen their doors.

“As a whole, it was so fantastic to be able to welcome folks back into the building and just have those face-to-face connections again, that was certainly a highlight.”

“What stayed similar though with the years past, it was just a really high needs year. We saw so many medical animals and so many animals with behavioural challenges. We have a lot of surrenders coming in and a lot of stray animals coming in.”

While the need continues to grow, Rossler says so does the passion of the Cochrane community for the shelter. 

“We have such an amazing community that also fundraises on our behalf. We rely so vitally on our fundraising events and on donations, not really government funds. Our grants make up such a small percentage, like 3 per cent, of funds coming in that we have to apply for everything else.” 

“We rely on the kindness and generosity of others, it is vital to our success.”

The Humane Society’s gala returned to an in-person event and raised around $56,000. Hair of the Dog, an event put together by local businesses in support of the shelter also returned in 2022.

While the milestone fundraisers made their mark in 2022, the kids in Cochrane went above and beyond this year to support the shelter. “It is the lemonade stands, those birthday parties where these children donate in lieu of gifts for themselves, and what kid doesn't love birthday presents?”

“They choose to give it to the Humane Society, they choose to give it to the animals and put a smile on the face of the kittens and puppies. Those kids have the biggest hearts and that part of the generous donations and the giving that makes up the majority of our funds coming in that we just could not keep our doors open without.”

Going into 2023, Rossler says they hope to continue to grow and find more animals in their furever homes.

“We hope that this amazing community continues to open their hearts to animals waiting to be adopted. We have, oh gosh, over 80 puppies alone that are available or coming available."

“These beautiful souls deserve a chance of being adopted.”