About 18 years later, the not-for-profit adopted out its 10,000th animal in late January. Scott, a board member for the group who said she helped foster roughly 200 of those animals, said the milestone is particularly impressive since animals all spend time in volunteer-driven foster care until they find permanent homes.
“Nobody is paid to do this. A lot of us have full-time jobs. We have families. And we all foster these animals in our homes,” Scott said. “These 10,000 animals have gone through people’s personal lives and their households and have gotten acclimated to their families.”
The organization has had as many as 100 volunteers since it began operations around 2001, but Scott said in early March that total is now about 35 volunteers due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the Frisco Humane Society during lockdowns had to shift from in-person adoption events to solely online advertising due to pet stores temporarily being closed.
“It made it difficult because you had to make sure the adopters were comfortable with you showing up at their house and vice versa with the [volunteer] being comfortable going to somebody else’s house to bring an animal to them,” Scott said.
Moving forward, the Frisco Humane Society seeks residents who can foster animals on a long-term basis. In addition, Scott said the group is working to promote spaying and neutering to combat overpopulation.
“It’s just one of those things where once you start doing it, it’s very difficult to stop because you’re making a difference,” Scott said. “I have a full-time job. I have two kids and am a single mom. I do this all in my spare time, and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming, but the rewards and the differences that you see just make it worth it.”
Call 972-498-8980 or visit www.friscohumanesociety.com for more information. Volunteers and supply donors can email [email protected].
