Pictured | CHHS Executive Director David Stroud with adopted CHHS shelter dog Billy.
A custom-built rescue trailer deployed at the scene of puppy mill raids, hoarding and cruelty cases, natural disaster response, off-site adoption events and spay/neuter transport.
The Canine Adoption Center and Feline Adoption Center debut as two of North Carolina’s most modern animal welfare facilities, with both buildings opening debt-free on the first day of operation.
Expansion of our famous outdoor play yards from nine to fourteen, and they’re currently undergoing a comprehensive, modern renovation.
A beautiful onsite trail carved through the woods on our property for our beloved dog walking volunteers.
Two new “caretaker houses” added to our campus to provide full-time residency for our shelter manager and assistant manager, also ensuring that our shelter animals are protected in any after-hours emergency.
Innovative new community outreach programs developed, including pet therapy visits, Hikers for Hounds, the foster-dog-in-residence at The Park on Main Hotel, and the immensely popular Critter Camp summer program for elementary schoolchildren.
It’s been a magical journey.
After serving as the Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers, I was given the greatest opportunity I have ever experienced as a lifelong animal advocate.
On May 1, 2012 I was named the Executive Director of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.
Our staff – I cannot say enough great things about them. In an industry that averages about 50 percent turnover each year, last year our turnover rate was zero. And our top four managers have all been with CHHS for 10 years or more.
I have also been honored and humbled by my peers when I was elected as Chairman of the North Carolina Animal Federation, and named to the North Carolina State Council of the Humane Society of the United States.
And I’m not done. Folks sometimes ask what motivates me, and my answer is always the same: “Fulfilling unfulfilled potential.”
This month at our annual fundraising gala, we are going to make an announcement about the largest initiative in our 38-year history. One that will not only benefit the hundreds of animals we save and care for each year at our no-kill shelter… it will benefit all of the animals in our community.
May 1 was my 13th anniversary with the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. And through it all, I’ve always felt that I was the lucky one.
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