In the quiet corners of our community, a mom-and-pop shop is performing minor miracles every day. The Humane Society of the South Platte Valley (HSSPV) may describe itself as a small village of just 12 staff members, but its impact across Arapahoe County, stretching from Littleton to Cherry Hills Village, is anything but small. As a socially conscious shelter, HSSPV doesn’t just house animals; it surrounds them with a great big heart. Their mission? To be a leader in saving lives and serving communities by providing innovative care for animals, finding loving homes for animals, and reuniting families.
A SANCTUARY OF HEALTH AND ENRICHMENT
Stepping into the shelter, the first thing one notices is the pristine condition of the facilities. The kennels are remarkably clean, and the beautiful, vibrant dogs and cats radiate health. Also, HSSPV utilizes a sophisticated leveling system (Levels 1, 2, and 3) to categorize behavior, ensuring every caretaker knows exactly how to support each dog’s unique personality. Every animal thrives under an enrichment program. Dogs are walked three to five times daily and engaged in play. It is a level of care so high-touch that any visitor would find it difficult not to take every single one of them home.
Mindy Wilson, the Development Manager, works with Stephanie Arms, the Operations Manager. Together, they oversee a small staff and an army of over 200 volunteers. This volunteer-heavy model allows the organization to remain lean and efficient, with a staggering 97% of all funds raised going directly toward the animals’ medical care, spaying, neutering, and microchipping.
EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION
Wilson is perhaps most proud of the shelter’s role as an educational hub. HSSPV works tirelessly to dispel the myth that shelter animals are “damaged.” Through summer camps, Girl Scout partnerships, and service days with Columbine High School, they teach the youth of Littleton and other surrounding communities about the true meaning of pet commitment. They also offer behavioral and medical support to those who have already adopted, ensuring that the bond between pet and human remains permanent. As Wilson says, awareness is the key to change.
OUTREACH AND EVENTS
The community’s generosity was on full display at the recent Woof and Wine fundraiser on June 5. Through live and silent auctions, the event raised $190,000. The true success, however, was measured the following day, when two of the “walking ambassadors” from the event found their forever homes.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
The Pup Strut
On October 18, join the community at Clement Park for the shelter’s annual Pup Strut. It is a wonderful way to support the shelter while enjoying a day out with your own four-legged friends. As a non-city-funded entity, HSSPV relies entirely on the kindness of neighbors. While their spirit is limitless, their expenses are real, spending $3,000 a month on cat litter alone.
Dog Wash Days
Stop by Coal Mine Brewing Company on August 15 or September 19 and for a $20 donation they will wash your dog while you enjoy a cold beer. Located at 9719 W Coal Mine Ave, Unit A, Littleton, CO 80123 Event runs from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. All proceeds benefit HSSPV.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
If you cannot attend an event, consider donating or volunteering. While funding is the greatest need, the shelter always welcomes:
• Donations via Amazon, Kuranda Dog Beds, and Chewy: Through the HSSPV.org website, under the Get Involved and Donate tabs there are links to provide the shelter with much needed supplies from these partner organizations. A Wish List of needed items makes donating easy!
• Essential Supplies: Towels, blankets, and quality pet food.
• Operations: Office supplies to keep the village running.
• Digital Advocacy: Follow them on social media and share adoptable pets with your network.
HSSPV is proof that when a community surrounds a small shop with a big heart, lives are saved. Please visit their website for more information and events. Donate, share their story, and be sure to stop in and visit them today. You will be so glad you did!
YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND IS WAITING
Humane Society of the South Platte Valley
2129 W. Chenango Ave., Unit A, Littleton, CO 80120
303.703.2938
HSSPV.org
Adoption Hours: Mon–Sat: Noon – 6:00 p.m. | Sun: Noon – 5:00 p.m.