Every. Story. Matters.
October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a time to recognize the importance of mental health and to amplify the voices of those with lived experiences. This year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” reminds us that meaningful change begins when people feel seen, supported, and heard.
At Spokane Humane Society, stories are at the heart of everything we do.
Every day, we meet people from all walks of life. Families searching for a new companion. Community members seeking support. Individuals navigating difficult circumstances. Staff members and volunteers working together to help animals in need.
Each person arrives with a unique experience, perspective, and story worth hearing.
And then there are the stories that cannot be told in words: the animals. Their journeys may look different from ours, but they are the reason our community comes together in the first place.
Our mission is to help as many animals in our community as possible. While our community works together to make our companions’ voices be heard, we are also listening to and supporting one another.
Lived Experiences in Our Community
For many people, involvement with Spokane Humane Society has become more than a way to help animals. It has also been a source of comfort, healing, and connection.
Earlier this year during Volunteer Appreciation Week, we asked volunteers what volunteering means to them. Here were some of their responses:
- Foster: Became a foster because they wanted to love and care for a pet as if they were their own.
- Volunteer: Started volunteering to make a difference but actually ended up feeling more connected to their community than ever.
- Volunteer: Became a volunteer as a way to heal from their loss of their two dogs.
- Volunteer: Previously worked in animal welfare and knew how helpful it is for staff to have extra helping hands.
- Foster: Following their passion to help animals while also getting their family involved.
- Volunteer: Spending time with animals is rewarding and wonderful for their mental health.
While each story is unique, a common thread emerged from nearly every response: connection.
Volunteers and fosters shared that they felt connected to the animals they help care for, fellow volunteers, staff members, adopters, and the larger community. Many found purpose, healing, friendship, and support through their involvement with our organization.
Their experiences remind us that mental health journeys are deeply personal, but they do not have to be faced alone.
The Deep, Meaningful Bond Between Animals and People
The stories and experiences we hear reflect what researchers have long understood about the human-animal bond. Animals can have a profound effect on our emotional well-being and often become an important source of comfort, companionship, and support.
A survey conducted by Mental Health America found that from the households who have a pet:
- “80% believe their pets bring them happiness and emotional support.”
- “55% believe their pets reduce anxiety and depression.”
- “66% believe their pets relieve stress.”
One of the most promising ways to better your mental health and live happier, longer lives is by creating “strong and rewarding social connections” (Pets For Vets). Unsurprisingly, these connections can include your very own pets.
Keeping Pets & People Together
We also recognize that maintaining those important connections can become difficult during times of financial hardship, illness, or personal challenges.
That’s why part of our mission is ensuring that people and their beloved pets can stay together whenever possible.
We offer the resources below to help keep families and pets together in our community.
- Veterinary Medical Assistance Program (VMAP) is a program for individuals facing financial challenges. VMAP offers reduced fees for veterinary services to households who meet low-income criteria. For further information, email clinic@spokanehumanesociety.org.
- Our Low-Income Veterinary Spay/Neuter Clinic is open to low-income pet owners where we offer affordable veterinary services such as vaccinations, microchipping, and spay or neuter surgery. To make an appointment or learn more, visit spokanehumanesociety.org/vet-clinic.
- The Community Pet Food Pantry is also available to provide donated pet food. Our main campus also has a shop in the lobby where you can find affordable pet supplies—bowls, clothes, toys, and more—for your beloved companions.
If you’d like to know more about how you can help keep families together:
- Donate to our VMAP here. Email kristi@spokanehumanesociety.org to let us know you’d like your donation dedicated to VMAP.
- Donations of pet food and supplies are welcome on our Main Campus, 6605 N Havana Street, Spokane WA.
Your Mental Health Matters. Your Story Matters.
This World Mental Health Day, we celebrate the power of listening.
We celebrate each and every story that has come through our doors because they remind us that connection and community matter.
At Spokane Humane Society, animals may be at the center of our mission, but it is the relationships they create that strengthen our community. Through every adoption, volunteer shift, foster placement, and act of support, people come together around a shared belief that every life matters.
And when we take the time to listen, we create real understanding, real compassion, and real change. Because every voice matters. Every experience matters. Every story matters.
