Chipper

In cooperation with the National NBC Universal Clear the Shelters Event going on for August, Talbot Humane is kicking off the month with our annual Adopt-A-Thon. The event to be held on July 30^th at the shelter has something for everyone. While the goal is to literally clear the shelter of adoptable pets into loving homes, the team at Talbot Humane have planned food, live music by “Brookletts”, raffles, a misting tent, face painting and more.

“We are excited to invite everyone back into the shelter for our summer event after a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic” shares Laura Koeneman, Talbot Humane Adoption Coordinator. “Our community and our corporate sponsors have really stepped up to make this a fun day for people and pets!” Adoption fees are waived or half price the day of the event. Laura encourages everyone interested in adopting to complete and send the adoption application ahead of time. For those who fall in love without a pre-approved application it is recommended you bring vet records for your current pets and proof of permission if you rent your home to expedite the process.

The Summer Adopt-A-Thon will be from 11A-3P on Saturday July 30^th at Talbot Humane, found at 7894 Ocean Gateway, Easton. For questions about the event, adoptions or any of the programs offered at Talbot Humane, please call 410-822-0107, email info@talbothumane.org or visit them at www.talbothumane.org

Thanks to a generous grant from The Bissel Pet Foundation and donations from supporters, Talbot Humane is able to provide a day of food and supplies to local residents. Along with dry pet food they will be providing collars and other pet supplies free of charge. You do not need to be a Talbot County resident to benefit from this event. “Supporting the pets and their people in our community is paramount to all we do” shares Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, executive director “we have had a pet pantry since 2008, and from there our intervention services have continued to grow. We are excited for this event and hope it is the first of many.”

Pet Pantry Day will take place at the parking lot directly next to Talbot Humane at 7894 Ocean Gateway, Easton from 8A-11A, or if supplies run out sooner.

For more information on this program or any other events and programs at Talbot Humane call 410-822-0107 or info@talbothumane.org

Not only does Talbot Humane turn 90 on August 4th, but our amazing program – UNLEASHED celebrates 10 years of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the animals!  Since 2012 we estimate this program has helped close to 500 runners cross finish lines and raise almost $400,000 for the animals of our community.

This wholly supportive, non-competitive program will take everyone- from couch potato to weekend warrior- and teaches & trains you through the Galloway run: walk program. You are put in a pace group with others of the same fitness level. You encourage each other and WILL cross that finish line together each week of training, and at the final day- race day!

In exchange for fully supported training runners commit to raising funds for Talbot Humane. “It is truly a win: win situation,” says veteran UNLEASHER Sara Rhoades. “I never would have thought I could finish a half marathon 10 years ago- and here I am still running and racing today at age 71 with UNLEASHED! If you are looking to change your life- this is the group for you.” Changing your life and the lives of animals- what could be better?

This year we are training for the Richmond Half Marathon. It a race we have trained members for in the past, so we know all the ins and outs of race day! The first day of training is August 13th, and informational meeting is August 3rd.

If you have any questions about the program, want to sign up in advance, or want to be added to our informational email list for UNLEASHED contact Head Coach Amy at talbothumanevolunteer@gmail.com or call 410-822-0107.

Dates to Remember:
Wednesday August 3rd at 6PM: Informational Meeting at Talbot Humane. Learn from our coaches all about the program, how raising funds is the easy part and meet some of our amazing friends who have had their lives changed thanks to UNLEASHED.
Saturday August 6th at 7AM: Try it You’ll Like It – we meet at the Rails to Trails parking lot off Springdale St. next to the Talbot County Board of Education. Come see what a day of UNLEASHED is like. We will have coaches and alumni runners there to answer questions and take you on a short jaunt on the trail!
Saturday August 13th at 7AM: First day of Training!
Wednesday September 14th: Last day to register for this season of UNLEASHED

2021 was a landmark year for Talbot Humane, a nonprofit that has served the midshore since 1932, seeing to the well-being of animals and the needs of the community in a wealth of ways, from offering spay/neuter assistance and carefully considered adoptions to crafting legislation to improve animal welfare and micro-chipping pets. In November, the shelter acquired land and a building next door to the existing premises. The real estate was purchased directly from St. Peter and Paul Church.  

Talk about serendipity! 

“A much-needed updating and expansion of our facility was something we had been considering for a while, but it hadn’t made it past the back burner,” says Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, Talbot Humane’s Executive Director. “We were happily surprised by the opportunity that literally fell into our laps. It was the proverbial ‘offer you can’t refuse.’ Saint Peter and Paul approached us to ask if we had any interest in acquiring the real estate. The answer was a resounding “yes”! (Indeed, the Parish House was the locale of our holiday gift shop.) 

A vastly updated and enlarged shelter will enhance Talbot Humane’s efforts on behalf of the animals in our care and beyond.  We will be able to offer services to members of our community—and perhaps even beyond Talbot County {“Animals in need know nothing of geographic boundaries,” Patty says).     

With the land and building now in our possession, we have entered the planning phase of what will be a years-long effort. Early wish-list brainstorming has already begun.  

“A facility with plenty of natural light is key,” says Patty, knowing that this cuts down on the animals’ stress level. Animals flourish when they get a sense of daylight. “Their comfort will be considered at every turn.” She explains that enclosures will no longer be “cages” and chain link. Well-maintained green spaces will punctuate the campus, offering great play spaces for the animals. Medical facilities will be expanded. Also benefitting from the up-to-date shelter will be staffers, volunteers, and the public. Colorful, inviting areas for potential adopters to spend time with the animals will be paramount. Plans will be drawn up with an eye toward maximum efficiency, sustainability, and use of technology.  

“2022 marks Talbot Humane’s 90th anniversary,” says Board President Bridget Horner. “We are thrilled to be entering this banner new year with such a groundbreaking project.”

The Pawsitively (sic) Fabulous Boutique operated by Talbot Humane is back! After quite a hiatus, the boutique will be stocked with clever, new merchandise guaranteed to delight shoppers looking for animal-themed gifts for pets, the people who love them, as well as items suitable for everyone celebrating the winter holidays.

The relocated boutique, once operated on Harrison Street, will be housed in the cottage next door to the shelter, at 7906 Ocean Gateway. The soon-to-be festively-decorated pop-up shop was previously used by SS Peter and Paul as Parish offices. The Parish has graciously made it available for use by Talbot Humaneas a shopping venue for the 7-week holiday period.

Talbot Humane has seen a pandemic-related drop in fund-raising opportunities and community outreach, as have many local non-profits. Executive Director Patty Quimby says “the revival of our boutique — stocked with unique items — will help us welcome back old friends of the shelter and allow us to introduce ourselves and our mission to new friends.” All proceeds from the sales at the shop will directly benefit animals under the care of the Talbot Humane shelter.

Melinda Sebastian, a Talbot Humane volunteer, skilled retailer and guiding light for the Pawsitively Fabulous Boutique, has spent months searching the marketplace for what she calls “special items for animals, owners and friends that you won’t find in big box stores!” She also says there are “holiday-themed gifts, as well as items that will be useful and appreciated all year long.” New this year, local artisans will be able to display and sell handmade gifts at the boutique that will truly be one of a kind.

The shop will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 4pm starting Friday November 12th– Waterfowl Weekend–until Christmas. Special Events are planned at the shop, which will be shared soon- We need to check Santa’s travel schedule!

This store will be a “treat” for pets, shoppers worried about shipping delays, and people who love friendly greetings. And, don’t rule out a warm cookie from the cottage’s oven when the backroom elves are feeling especially chipper (OK – forgive the elf cookie humor…)

For up-to-date information follow Talbot Humane on Facebook, Twitter or www.talbothumane.org

Talbot Humane’s Unleashed Charity Running Program is thrilled to be running the streets of Easton again for the animals! We are seeking animal lovers of any fitness level to train with us for the DrawBridge Half Marathon from Tilghman to St. Michaels this fall. We are holding an information meeting on August 4, 6 p.m., at the shelter (7894 Ocean Gtwy, Easton). The meeting is not mandatory, but interested individuals should reach out to Amy Eutsey (volunteer@talbothumane.org) or Patty Quimby (patty@talbothumane.org). Training begins Saturday, August 21, 7 a.m., 12 Magnolia St. in Easton (parking area next to ball fields).

The training method is run/walk/run, which is designed to build to the race distance quickly, prevent injury, and fit into busy lives. “The best part of this program is that it’s geared to get you off the couch and across the finish line of a 13.1-mile race in about 12 weeks,” says Head Coach, Amy Eutsey. “The program is so doable that many participants continue running as a regular form of fitness, challenging themselves to run more races or longer distances.”

“One of the things I missed most during the last year or so was running with the Unleashed team. You won’t find a more caring coaching staff or a more fun group of people to train with. Great camaraderie and lots of laughs!” says Murray Sarubin, a local Ironman and long-time Unleashed participant. The program is coached by a team of volunteer coaches who are experienced charity marathon runners. To maximize safety and fun, participants are placed in “pace groups” of other runners with a similar fitness level and are provided with course maps, water stops, and other trail support.

“Unleashed is a very profitable fund-raiser for Talbot Humane.” says Executive Director and Coach Patty Quimby.“Who doesn’t love animals and athletes, and who wouldn’t support a novice athlete running for the care and humane treatment of companion animals?”Being part of a team as well as knowing that they are helping their local shelter animals keeps runners motivated.

Talbot Humane provides a safe and healthy environment for unwanted companion animals in its care; places adoptable companion animals in good homes; protects all animals from cruelty and neglect; and reduces the unwanted companion animal population through spay/neuter and educational services.Serving the Community for almost90 years!