approximately
15-20 dogs.
Another six
dogs can be
held in the
back area of the
building while
being examined
and treated
for any health
issues. They
also house the
city’s animal
pound, joining
with them a
little over a year
ago. “It makes
a good partnership,” she explains, “as the animals coming out of the
pound can move into the animal shelter to get assistance in finding
homes.”
Medical rooms in the back area of the building allow veterinarians
to assist with health needs. Other rooms house miscellaneous small
animals, like those you would find at a pet store, supplies and food.
Circling around to the front of the building, we pass an enormous
wipe-off board, where all their current animals are listed with their
instructions and notes from the care takers. Located in the front area of
the building are the offices where the adoption process takes place and
the cat area, where cats lounge in the sun rays streaming in through
large front windows.
It takes many people involved to keep the organization running
smoothly. Many volunteers, hours varying, help to feed animals,
clean kennels and socialize with the animals. “Their jobs really are
just to love on them,” Hacecky beams. Who wouldn’t love that? The
volunteers get the animals out of their kennels to play, walk the dogs
and even help photograph the animals for their adoption spotlight.
“I do feel like the animals here are happy, and it’s hard to be happy
when you’re living in such a small space,” she explains.
Though the HHS board of directors contains 15 members of
both men and women, the rest of the staff has unintentionally been
primarily female. Considering that the organization has gone from
serving 100 animals in 2010 to serving 600 in 2019 is proof of an
empowering female force behind the business, dedicated to its growth.
Adopting, Volunteering And The Future
The focus of HHS is “Helping great pets
find great people.” Hacecky elaborates on
the philosophy. “Heartland does really good
about being proactive in adoptions. I’m a
firm believer that if someone walks into a
shelter, they’ve already chosen adoption and
rescuing, so we need to work to coach them
to be ready or to get the right pet in their
arms.” When families come in looking for
a new pet, the shelter first offers education
support to them that they wouldn’t receive at
a pet store or breeder. They help steer people
to a pet that would fit well with them. They
stress educating the family on what they
can expect when they take the animal home and they follow up with
them after the adoption, always being available for further questions
8vHERVOICEvNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
or guidance through the process. She notes that they also offer pets
suitable for outdoor living as well as the indoor environment.
After you apply for a pet and find a possible new furry friend, they
will have you sit with the pet to get acquainted. If you decide to adopt,
you could have a new furry family member in about an hour if you
choose to. If you’re uncertain about the pet, she encourages thinking
about it overnight. Their goal is to put the right pet with the right
family.
If you’re not ready to adopt a pet, she explains their option of
fostering an animal. They use the foster program for two reasons: some
people just like to help the business by taking the animals home for
a break while other animals are fostered out because they might not
thrive being in the kenneled environment. It gives the animals that
aren’t thriving at the facility a second chance of finding a new home.
About a year ago, they’ve started “slumber party fosters.” It’s a
way for the foster homes to pick up an animal for the weekend. She
explains that becoming a foster family is great way to help in making
the decision if you’re ready for a new pet and helps to determine the
best breed and size for a match.
“I think across the board, the animals are better when they leave
here, because they’re in a normal
environment and being loved, which is
different than they’re used to.” I agree
whole-heartedly with her comment,
as both dogs that I’ve adopted have
been the most wonderful, loving and
appreciative dogs.
Heartland always welcomes
volunteers and they are extremely
flexible in working with their staff.
Whether your schedule allows for a
few hours a day or a few times a month
or year, they will be able to find a spot
for you. As a community non-profit
organization, they strive to work for the
community. Whatever you decide to
help volunteer for, they will take time to
educate you to assure it’s the best fit.
They hold various fundraisers through the year to raise money for
their day-to-day operations. Cupcakes for Valentine’s Day in February;
an event in Vermillion event every spring or summer which includes
entertainment and food or drink and a Gala in Yankton during the fall,
which is their biggest event. Their recent Gala helped to raise $67,000
for the organization. Throughout the year, they team with Yankton and
Vermillion to host various events, including a dog party with the pool
during the summer. If you would like to help the organization in other
ways, they gladly welcome monetary donations or supplies such as
food, toys, used blankets, pet beds, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry
detergent, bleach, cleaning supplies and office supplies.
They look to the future for programs that can help the community.
One of their recent programs being developed is to help with spaying
and neutering stray cats to help reduce the feral cat population. Their
upcoming strategic planning meeting will focus on programs that
they could start in the next three years to better focus on helping the
community. If anyone sees a need or a void in the community, she
welcomes you to email her with your suggestion.
If you’re looking to make a difference in our community, visit
Heartland Humane Society at 3400 E Hwy 50, Yankton or call them
at (605) 664-4244. You can also visit their Facebook page at
“Heartland Humane Society” or their website at
www.heartlandhumanesociety.net. n