Every year, millions of animals across the United States find themselves in shelters, waiting for a chance to belong to a loving home. Despite this, many people still turn to backyard breeders or pet stores to find new furry family members. This unknowingly fuels unethical practices and overlooks the life-saving potential of adoption. 

 For the Galveston Island Humane Society (GIHS), the mission to give these animals a second chance is more than a goal - it’s a calling. Nonprofits like GIHS are lifelines for animals in need, providing care and shelter locally for more than 2,000 pets annually. 

 From playful puppies and kittens to seasoned seniors, the shelter’s residents come from a variety of backgrounds. Some were rescued from abusive situations, others were found wandering the streets, and many were surrendered by families unable to care for them. 

 “The shelter is currently facing significant overcrowding, and we urgently need fosters to help place these animals into loving homes,” said Susanna Mayberry, a GIHS Board Member and co-chair of the Fundraising Committee. 

 Overcrowding is one of the most pressing challenges facing the shelter, as the demand for its services continues to grow. 

 For GIHS, community support is essential. Mayberry emphasizes that volunteers, donors, and foster families are the backbone of the organization’s success. 

 

 “The support of the community is essential to the shelter’s success,” Mayberry said. “We rely on their dedication to fostering animals and volunteering their time, whether assisting at the shelter with animal care or supporting events.” 

 The shelter’s fostering program, "Almost Home," is a cornerstone of its efforts to combat overcrowding. Foster families provide temporary homes for animals, offering them the love, care, and stability they need to thrive. In turn, this allows the shelter to learn more about the animals and prepare them for successful adoptions.

 “Fostering saves lives,” said Natalie Fox Maisel, a dedicated animal advocate who began fostering in Galveston in March 2023. Maisel focuses her efforts on two breeds that often face stigma and fill shelters: pit bulls and Chihuahuas. 

 “I aim to bring awareness to how wonderful pitties are and break the stigma surrounding the breed,” she said. 

 “Also, regionally, we are inundated with pit bulls and Chihuahuas in this area. So many of them wind up in the shelter system, and fostering allows us to get them into a loving home, get great pics and videos, and share info about the dog to get them adopted. Fostering makes them much more adoptable because we can learn so much more about the animal before adoption.”

 One of Maisel’s fostering successes is Rosie, a Husky mix who struggled in the shelter. “She was there for a good length of time and had zero interested adopters and no fosters,” Maisel said. 

 “I brought Rosie home, and within a week, we secured her adoption with a Facebook friend who had been previously interested in another foster of mine. I told him about Rosie, he met her, loved her, adopted her, and she is the toast of the town. She goes to work at his shop in Galveston, and people write about how wonderful she is in the reviews of his shop.”

 Maisel also encourages adopters to follow the “3-3-3” rule for introducing a shelter animal into their home: three days to decompress, three weeks to adjust to a new routine, and three months to feel fully at home. 

 “Slow introductions are key, especially when you have other animals in your home. This can often mean keeping the dogs separated for a certain amount of time, feeding them separately, and making sure all stay safe and cared for,” Maisel said.

 “It’s best to get them in a structured routine right away. You just have to be patient. Some dogs have been in the shelter for over 100 days or more, and they require decompression time without a lot of new things all at once.” 

 While fostering is transformative, not everyone can bring a shelter animal into their home. Mayberry noted that other contributions - such as donations of food, towels, or money - can make an equally meaningful impact. 

 Volunteers are also critical, helping to feed, care for, and socialize animals, and preparing them for successful adoptions. 

 “I would encourage them to visit the shelter and see firsthand the many deserving animals in need of loving homes before considering purchasing a designer dog from a breeder,” Mayberry said. 

 “We try to match adopters with an animal that fits their lifestyle and needs. Whether someone has children, other pets, or specific activity levels, there’s a shelter dog out there who’s the perfect fit. They just need a chance.” 

 “By choosing to adopt, individuals not only change the life of a deserving animal but also experience the joy and unconditional love a shelter dog can bring to their lives.” 

 Mayberry explained that shelters like GIHS thrive thanks to the unwavering dedication of volunteers, foster families, and donors who believe in providing animals with a second chance. By supporting the shelter’s mission, each individual also shares in the joy and fulfillment of its success. 

 “Fostering saves lives in ways people don’t always realize,” Maisel said. “It doesn’t just benefit the animal; it’s also deeply rewarding for the caregiver. Seeing an anxious dog grow confident or watching a shy kitten come out of its shell is an unmatched joy.”

 For Maisel, the reward of fostering is simple yet profound. “Taking a dog from the shelter into your home changes their life forever. That feeling is unmatched.” 

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Become a member: Support the GIHS mission by joining its membership program, which runs annually from May 1 to April 30. Membership funds the care of over 2,000 pets annually and keeps you connected to shelter news and events. Foster: Open your home to a pet in need through the “Almost Home” program. Whether for a few weeks or a few months, fostering provides animals with love, care, and a better chance at adoption. 

Adopt: Adopting a pet is infinitely rewarding. Pet adoption offers the choice of pets of all ages. For instance, if you adopt a young adult or older pet, you can avoid some of the effort related to house-training and teething. 

Volunteer: Financial donations are essential for GIHS to cover the costs of food, medical care, staff, and other operating expenses. If you’re able to, donating money is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. To get started, email volunteer@galvestonhumane.org. 

Donate: Financial donations are essential for GIHS to cover the costs of food, medical care, staff, and other operating expenses. If you’re able to, donating money is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. However, GIHS also relies on material donations such as food, toys, bedding, and cleaning supplies. 

 To find out more, visit the Galveston Island Humane Society at 6814 Broadway in Galveston, call 409.740.1919, or visit www.galvestonhumane.org.