The Gift of Unconditional Love

Dogs can make a house a home, with their constant love and devotion to their families. But now and then, some of them need our help to live a stable, happy life. 

Nothing is quite like a dog, who’s always happy to see you when you arrive home from a tough day at work. A pet’s unfailing love and support makes the world feel like a nicer place.

Unfortunately, that love is not always returned. Many beautiful animals end up in a shelter through no fault of their own—alone, afraid and confused about what they’ve done wrong to be sent away.

But, even the most abused dogs can blossom with a stable, loving home.

Millcreek is fortunate to have a wonderful no-kill shelter to care for animals until they can find a home.

The commitment to provide this shelter is not without cost, however. There are many ways you can help the Erie Humane Society (EHS) in its mission to care for these animals.

One way is to adopt a pet if you are able to do so. This helps to alleviate the demands on EHS, and is a wonderful gift for the whole family, especially during the holiday season.

You needn’t live in a massive home to adopt. If you have a yard or access to a park where a dog can get exercise and fresh air, you don’t need a large home to give a dog a great life. Even a small home will look big to a dachshund or miniature dog breed. And if you’re a veteran or active military, you may be able to adopt a pet at no cost.

Though often overlooked, older dogs can make great companions and are more likely to be well-trained and calmer than younger ones.

Rescue dogs have become some of the most beloved members of the community!

EHS executive director Joe Lang has hundreds of stories about wonderful rescue animals. One in particular is a 2-year old dog named Tucker, who was promoted earlier this year to the rank of Major in the Millcreek Police Department.

“Tucker is able to connect with everyone,” explains Lang. “A 5-year-old girl who was abandoned in a car was brought in to the police station. She was understandably afraid, mistrustful and barely spoke to anyone. Officer Ben Bastow brought Tucker to the girl and her mood immediately brightened. She trusted Tucker right away, and she began to speak to everyone.”

Officer Bastow himself also experienced Tucker’s special ability to reach out with love and support.

Bastow had been part of a particularly heinous murder investigation, and the experience was hard to shake. For about three days afterward, Tucker noticed his friend was not himself. So he would go into his office, sit beside him and put his head on the his knee, as if to say “I’m here for you.”

If you’re unable to take in an animal permanently, EHS also needs caring individuals willing to foster animals until they’re available for adoption. Lang and his wife, Sue, fostered several prior to his appointment as director of EHS, and found it extremely rewarding.

Another great way to help is volunteering. This might involve walking dogs, or helping out with fundraisers such as the upcoming “Mutt Gala,” which features well-dressed dogs trotting the runway. The event will be held April 25, and participation as a volunteer or guest can help support the animals of EHS.

The organization also accepts gift donations of dog food, leashes, toys and other gear needed for animal care. And, as always, monetary gifts that can be used wherever there is the greatest need are helpful. All gifts are appreciated.

There are many ways that EHS helps the community. It provides affordable pet grooming and vet care—such as spaying, neutering, and chipping so that lost dogs can be located—not to mention lifesaving vaccines for serious diseases like parvo. All of this is offered well below market cost to help people maintain their animals’ health and safety.

Lang is so happy to have been chosen as the new executive director of EHS, which caps off several decades of his volunteer involvement with the organization.

“I worked as an on-air personality for Classy 100, and later had a night time program called ‘Love Songs.’ I love animals and did fostering, and also volunteered as the emcee for The Mutt Gala. It was a natural fit for me, and I love what I do!”

Erie Humane Society is a great place to find a friend and new family member. As John Grogan wrote in his book “Marley and Me,” “A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes, or designer clothes. A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.”

For more information on available pets, volunteering, or donating, visit eriehumanesociety.org.