As the year comes to a close, The Heritage Humane Society, Greater Williamsburg’s largest homeless animal shelter, is reflecting on a year marked by rising challenges, powerful moments of compassion and a community that continues to stand by animals in need.
Like many animal shelters across the country, The Heritage Humane Society has faced the pressures of a nationwide animal welfare crisis. Its original building is aging, the number of pets needing help continues to climb, and the cost of basic supplies, from food to medical care, has steadily increased. Despite these challenges, the nonprofit is ending the year with gratitude, thanks to the donors, volunteers, adopters, fosters and advocates who made lifesaving work possible and are helping it continue through the Tales of Tails $40k Impact Challenge.
“Whether someone adopted a pet, volunteered time, donated, attended an event or simply offered encouragement, every act of support mattered for the team and our pet population cared for by The Heritage Humane Society,” said Executive Director Kimberly Laska, CAWA. “Our community helped carry us through a year that was not always easy.”
What Open-Admission Care Looks Like in Real Life
As an open-admission animal shelter serving Greater Williamsburg, The Heritage Humane Society accepts pets regardless of age, health or circumstance whenever it can. Each call for help brings a different story. Sometimes a homeless pet arrives as a stray with urgent medical needs, and other times a family facing personal hardship and heartbreak that is so palpable that they can hardly speak when they come through the shelter’s doors.
“Being open admission means listening carefully and responding with compassion every single time,” Laska said. “We guide each pet toward the safest and most responsible outcome possible. While this is year-round, it is surprising and heartbreaking to many that December is typically our largest month of receiving surrendered pets as owners struggle through the holidays and winter ahead.”
Those moments of urgency and emotion, ones that staff often describe as “lump-in-the-throat moments,” have only increased this year. Community support ensures the shelter can respond when the unexpected arrives.
Six Puppies, One Summer and a Lesson in Compassion
One of those moments came on August 11, when a minivan arrived at the shelter carrying six frightened puppies.
Their elderly owner, living on a fixed income, had done his best to care for them, often sacrificing his own needs. As the puppies grew, their care became more than he could manage.
Family members searched desperately for help, only to find shelters and rescues overwhelmed. When Animal Control reached out to The Heritage Humane Society, the staff knew they had to try.
The puppies had never seen a veterinarian, had gone without much-needed baths and had spent the hottest weeks of summer outdoors, including temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. As they were carried inside for medical care, something unexpected happened.
Nearby, children attending The Heritage Humane Society’s Animal Camp quietly watched. Soon, they unanimously chose a name theme: Toy Story. By the next morning, they named the puppies the fan-favorites of Buzz Lightyear, Andy, Mrs. Potato Head, Mr. Potato Head, Little Bo Peep and Forky.
Laughter filled the room as campers gently introduced toys, soft voices and little, patient hands. When the puppies finally fell asleep, the children lined up at the window, whispering so they wouldn’t wake them.
“That moment reminded us that compassion can be taught — and caught,” Laska said.
Led by child favorite Elise McCamant, Humane Education & Events Coordinator at The Heritage Humane Society, programs like the upcoming Winter Break Animal Camp and Animal Ace’s Kids Club (a popular holiday gift!) are made possible by donor support. They teach children empathy, problem-solving and responsibility while helping shelter pets feel safe and valued. In one full-circle ending, camper Conner and his family later adopted “Andy” of the Toy Story puppies, who now renamed Dipper.
Year-End Giving Challenge Doubles Impact
As the holidays approach, The Heritage Humane Society is inviting the community to continue that momentum through the Tales of Tails Impact Challenge. Several donors have pledged to match year-end gifts dollar-for-dollar, up to $40,000, doubling the impact of every donation.
Funds raised will support shelter operations, medical care, enrichment programs and lifesaving services for pets currently resting in the shelter and those still to come.
Donations can be made online at heritagehumane.org or in person at the Adoption Center, located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
A Community-Fueled Mission
From the Toy Story puppies who once trembled at every sound to the animals being cared for tonight, The Heritage Humane Society’s work continues because of community generosity. The organization is also proud that 86 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to animal care, keeping support local and impactful.
As the year ends, the message from staff and volunteers is simple: Happy Holidays and thank you to the community for standing with the animals who need it most.
Adoptable Pets are Ready for Their Fur-ever Home
Welcoming a new furry (or not-so-furry) friend is proven to enrich lives of both pets and people. Today, 180 dogs, cats and small pets are in the shelter’s care and hoping to find their forever homes. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from noon to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
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