LEESBURG HUMANE SOCIETY’S FOREVER HOME PET TRUST BY NIKKI HOFFMAN

LEESBURG HUMANE SOCIETY

The tree-lined streets of Harbor Hills are a dog walker’s dream. The winding paths and gentle hills offer a scenic stroll for both humans and their canine companions. After our dachshund passed away, Petfinder led me to a ten-year-old doxie in need of a home. His sad story and charming picture touched my heart. It sounded as if “Snoopy” needed us as much as we needed him. We applied to the Leesburg Humane Society, a non-profit, no-kill shelter. Snoopy’s friendly nature sealed the deal. When you adopt a rescue pet, you save two lives by making space for another needy animal.

The Forever Home Pet Trust was an idea created by Heidi Gaumet, Program Manager at the Leesburg Humane Society. Inspired by her experience in hospice care, she realized that often there is no plan for pet care after an owner’s passing. This motivated her to develop a program that guarantees a permanent home for a pet if its caretaker is unable to provide guardianship. This could be due to hospice care or other reasons. The Board of Directors approved Heidi’s initiative. With support from a private donor, the program started to take shape. Today, staff live full-time in homes on the property, ensuring your pet receives companionship and care, just as it would in a home setting.

Our pets are family. What will happen to our pets if we are unable to care for them? Leesburg Humane Society’s Forever Home Pet Trust may be the answer. To learn how the program works, funding options, and advanced planning, contact Leesburg Humane Society at 352-669-3348 or email FHPT@leesburghumanesociety.org. Love has no end.