Throughout the year at the Marin Humane Society (MHS) there are stories that materialize and remain in the minds of staff, volunteers, and the public. From kittens and ducklings being rescued off the side of the road to dogs being reunited with their long-lost families thanks to a microchip, such stories are common at the shelter in Novato. These “feel-good” stories are helpful reminders of how important it is to stay involved and committed to making a world of difference for animals.
At our annual gala, For the Love of Animals, we share our stories with the community. Whether it is through entertainment or heartwarming footage of the animals on campus, we do our best to find new and creative ways to show what MHS is about.
Earlier this year MHS was given a great opportunity. Joe Kayser, a Marin-based filmmaker and founder of Kayser & Company, generously offered his services to bring two stories to life in short videos to be debuted at our eighth annual gala. Brainstorming sessions revealed many memorable possibilities – including a rescued litter of puppies who survived Parvovirus and 21 cats being dropped off at our after-hours kennel in the middle of the night. But there were two compelling stories that stood out from the rest and Joe knew he could share them in a very special way.
Niamh (pronounced Neev) and Jeff were not well-known names around the shelter at that time, but their unique stories exemplified why MHS goes to such great lengths to improve the lives of animals and people.
There have been thousands of “Happy Endings” – successful adoptions – over our 107-year history, but we wanted stories that were truly extraordinary. Niamh and Jeff’s stood out because they were about healing, over-coming obstacles, gaining confidence, and arriving at self-discovery with supportive encouragement from animals.
Shelter work can be a difficult and fatiguing, yet each day employees and volunteers show up. Niamh’s and Jeff’s special stories relit the fire of inspiration that can sometimes start to dwindle. We knew they had to be shared.
The Page Turners
Just one part of our SHARE (Special-Human Animal Relationships) program is called SHARE a Book, in which specially-trained therapy dogs work with children to help them enjoy reading and overcome obstacles.
Niamh had been living with her family in Switzerland. In order for her to receive the education and attention that would help her overcome her learning disorder, dyslexia, the family moved to California. “Niamh entered the third grade at below kindergarten reading level,” her mom Siobhan, told us.
One day, Niamh accompanied her grandmother to the local library in Corte Madera. Much to their delight, they found dogs in the children’s section! Quite by accident they had stumbled upon our SHARE a Book program in action.
Niamh began reading with Remy, a SHARE therapy dog, three years ago and has overcome many of her fears about reading, gaining confidence along the way. These positive changes will improve Niamh’s life every day, forever. Now that’s an inspiring outcome!
The Rabbit Whisperer
Jeff Kissell, husband and father of two, was found unconscious after embarking on a hike one morning. After emergency brain surgery, the stroke he suffered left him half-paralyzed and unable to speak, read, or write.
Jeff and his wife Mary Ellen began visiting MHS on Saturday mornings, and because Jeff seemed so comfortable around the animals, Mary Ellen suggested to him that he become a volunteer. Jeff began working with the small companion animals during Rabbit Romper Room.
“Jeff’s entire attitude and sense of self-worth changed before our eyes when he started to be the caregiver,” Mary Ellen recalls.
Jeff has begun sketching the animals he spends time with at MHS. Recently, in partnership with the Brain Injury Network of the Bay Area (BINBA), Jeff’s artwork was featured in the MHS Art Gallery, a monthly showcase of animal-themed artistic expression.
As planned, Jeff’s and Niamh’s stories were debuted at our For the Love of Animals event this spring in Mill Valley. Sharing them brought our mission to life, demonstrating that through our innovative programs – focused on advocacy, education, and support – we improve the lives of animals and people.
If you were not one of the 300 guests at the gala, your opportunity to see these fantastic and moving short films has just opened up. “The Page Turners” and “The Rabbit Whisperer” have been accepted into the Mill Valley Film Festival in the category of Short Documentary Film. You can view them on the big screen during the festival, which runs October 2 through 12. Visit mvff.com for showtimes.
Attending our events is a great way to support and connect with the Marin Humane Society. Join us on Sunday, September 21, for our annual Woofstock benefit music festival at the MHS campus in Novato. Stay current with all our events and stories by signing up for our monthly e-newsletter at MarinHumaneSociety.org.
Emily Robledo is the Marketing and Communications Associate at the Marin Humane Society – MarinHumaneSociety.org; Twitter.com/MarinHumane
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Main article photo by: Courtesy MHS
