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SoHumane saves lives and gives animals a fresh start in the Rogue Valley
Published 7:00 am Friday, April 21, 2023
- SoHumane saves lives and gives animals a fresh start in the Rogue Valley
Most of our furry, four-legged friends spend their days in happy homes, playing with their owners, snoozing in afternoon sun beams and snacking on yummy treats. However, some dogs and cats have been traumatized, abused or are at risk of being euthanized. That is where SoHumane steps in to help these pets and change the course of their lives forever.
SoHumane has been saving animals’ lives since 1928 by providing quality care for dogs and cats. In 2022, they helped over 1,200 animals get adopted and saved more than 400 animals from euthanasia through their Saving Train program.
The Saving Train rides again
For almost one hundred years, SoHumane has improved the lives of countless pets and helped them find their forever homes. With so many animals to help day after day and year after year, SoHumane is grateful for their community partnerships.
“We’ve had a relationship with Southern Oregon Subaru for many years,” said Ryan Johnson, donor relations manager for SoHumane. “The entire time I’ve been here, Southern Oregon Subaru has been our largest business partner every year.”
According to Johnson, over the last 11 years, Southern Oregon Subaru has generously donated over $250,000 through their annual Share the Love adoption event, in addition to finding homes for 259 homeless pets.
During 2022, Southern Oregon Subaru, along with other local businesses, sponsored SoHumane’s annual fundraiser, A Toast for Tails. The online event raised more than $300,000, which accounted for a little over 20% of SoHumane’s annual budget. These dollars funded SoHumane’s Saving Train and adoption programs.
“Southern Oregon Subaru sponsors the Saving Train, a program which has saved over 10,000 dogs and cats,” said Johnson. “The Saving Train travels to overcrowded shelters and rescues animals that would otherwise be euthanized.”
The Saving Train program has been running for about 13-14 years. Johnson explained that they often work with shelters in central California, but local facilities also.
“The conditions and overcrowding are quite shocking sometimes,” he said, “so we started the Saving Train to take these animals to areas where they had a better chance of getting adopted.”
When the program began, the Saving Train transported about 40-50 dogs a year. For comparison, one recent transport brought in a group of 35 animals.
Over the years, SoHumane has transported more than 11,000 dogs and cats to their facility, and Southern Oregon Subaru has been a big part of that work.
“We estimate that it costs about $75 per animal to transport them via the Saving Train. With the funds they’ve given, Southern Oregon Subaru has accounted for over 3,000 of 11,000 pets we have saved,” explained Johnson.
Strong community support
SoHumane has had the support of the community for many years, and is especially grateful for their partnership with Southern Oregon Subaru. These collaborations help them save the lives of numerous animals.
In addition to the Saving Train, SoHumane provides intake services for dogs and cats, and a pet food pantry for the community.
During intake, SoHumane staff makes sure each animal is microchipped, vaccinated and has been spayed or neutered before they are put up for adoption. A portion of the funds also goes toward any medical procedures the animals may require, such as additional surgeries or dental work.
“Animal care is our primary concern,” said Johnson, “and the money from Southern Oregon Subaru touches all of our programs.”
According to Johnson, adoption events are a huge part of what SoHumane does and helps many of the dogs and cats find their forever homes. On April 15th, they will be at Southern Oregon Subaru for an adoption event as part of the dealership’s 40th birthday celebration.
“We’re fortunate that the community is and always has been very supportive,” he said. “People always come out to adopt.”
There are also several ways for people to help in addition to adopting a pet. SoHumane’s circumstances fluctuate throughout the year, but they have wish lists on their website, which show what people could purchase and donate to the shelter.
A special partnership
In addition to sponsoring the Saving Train, Southern Oregon Subaru partners with SoHumane throughout the year in a variety of ways.
Every December, SoHumane has its Share the Love adoption event, which has been going on for more than a decade. Johnson said they usually have 30-40 adoptions during that event.
Also, during December and January, Southern Oregon Subaru runs a promotion where they donate $250 to a local charity for every car purchased, and the dealership selects SoHumane each year.
This year, a Toast for Tails — SoHumane’s annual fundraiser and celebration — will be held on May 20, 2023. It is always a major event for the shelter and the community.
“Southern Oregon Subaru is always a table sponsor, but this year they are our presenting sponsor,” said Johnson.
While SoHumane and Southern Oregon Subaru partner together on adoption events, the dealership remains deeply involved with the organization all year long. Every Thursday, SoHumane visits Southern Oregon Subaru and brings some of the shelter animals with them.
Johnson said Southern Oregon Subaru takes photos of the animals and shares them on their social media pages to help them get adopted.
“We couldn’t ask for a better business partner; they’re here for us every step of the way,” said Johnson. “We’re grateful for what Southern Oregon Subaru does for us and the community.”