About the Humane Society of Mason County
Mission Statement | Plan | Our Team | Our Story | FAQs | Newsletter
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missionThe Humane Society of Mason County is a non-profit organization providing assistance and care to displaced or abused animals including control of pet and feral population. Additionally, the organization is working to provided an animal shelter for unwanted companion animals.
planThe Humane Society of Mason County (HSMC) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves the Mason County area of Washington State. Objectives
It is our sincere desire to provide aid when needed and to create opportunities for these needy animals to have a second chance at life. |
our team
Our Board of Directors
Our Board is all-volunteer and meets the last Monday of each month. We welcome volunteers and animal lovers to join us.
Tina Nutt PRESIDENT Her boys, Milo & Otis |
Tina Nutt has lived in Mason County all of her life, growing up in Shelton and now lives in Union. Tina currently works at Peninsula Credit Union, starting there when in high school, and has been there for over 40 years. Tina joined the Humane Society about 6 years ago because of her love for animals and her desire to give back to the community. Tina also volunteers and is an active participant with Relay for Life.
Tina and her husband Jim have been married for over 35 years. For fun they enjoy traveling and RVing. Jim and Tina currently have 4 cats; 3 of which are rescue cats |
Rhonda Robe Vice President Rhonda and her rooster |
Rhonda Robe resides in the Seabeck area and has worked and lived in Kitsap County for over 30 years. She currently works at NUWC, Keyport in the business office. She has supported the animal shelters for over 20 years, but became involved in Mason County when she heard they needed a shelter. She is dedicated to seeing a shelter built and enjoys working with the local community.
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Lynda Haskell Treasurer Lynda with a friend on an African Safari |
Lynda Haskell has lived in Seattle most of her life, until recently moving to Lakeland Village in Allyn to begin her retirement. She has been an accountant for over 20 years and now works part time from home.
Both Lynda and Tim (her husband) were also surprised to find out the great need of an animal shelter in Mason County. They are currently foster parents for the cat & kitten program, enjoy giving and receiving all the love and rewards these wonderful animals bring to our lives. With her love of dogs, cats and horses, it has always been a dream to help find forever homes for animals in need. |
Sally Cull board member Sally and her pal Zeke |
Sally Cull moved to Washington State in 1989 from New Jersey. She was a laboratory technician for the State of Washington Department of Ecology at the environmental lab in Manchester for 21 years and is now retired. Before that, she was a veterinary technician from 1976 to 1987 after receiving certified training in Blackwood, New Jersey. She moved here in 1989 with her husband and son who had recently graduated high school so they could explore new opportunities.
Sally and her family always had dogs and enjoyed them in activities like camping and hiking. She loves the weather and scenery of the Pacific Northwest. She did some volunteer work with the Humane Society in the late '90's and early 2000's then left to take care of her ailing husband. She returned in 2014 and is the present office manager. Sally enjoys living with and training dogs and wants to stay active in her community through helping and educating the public about dog care and ownership. |
Chris Garder board member Chris' furiend Annie |
Chris Garder grew up in Northern California and moved to the Northwest after marrying her husband 6 years ago. She still has a large family in California, including her son, who enjoys visiting her in the NW. After 42 years, Chris retired from the banking industry. She has spent time volunteering at the Belfair Senior Center as well as the Pacific NW Salmon Center. She joined the board after 2 years of volunteering at several Humane Society events. She has a love of animals and enjoys working with this great team of board members and volunteers.
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Brenda Gardner Board member Brenda and her girl, Oreo |
Brenda Gardner joined the Humane Society of Mason County in 2010 after serving several years as a Board Member with the Kitsap Humane Society. She immediately saw the need to help Mason County with raising funds to build a much needed animal shelter. Brenda lives on the outskirts of Belfair on her small farm with her horses, donkeys, dogs, cats and chickens. She is a retired accountant with twenty-three years of federal service and attempts to participate in as many outdoor activities that she can squeeze in her schedule like kayaking, horse riding, hiking, master gardening, and bike riding around our beautiful Kitsap Peninsula. Brenda has been active in our shelter property development and chairs our annual Sails 'n Tails Gala and Dinner Auction each year. She is proud to be associated with such a fine group of board members all striving towards the goal of raising a shelter and assisting Mason County residents with animal care and education
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Cathy Gatto Kravitz Board member Cathy and her family with Santa Paws |
Cathy Gatto Kravitz loves dogs (and donkeys and horses), and her husband, children and grandchildren. Cathy grew up in Bremerton, graduated from UW and moved to Alaska. She lived in Alaska for 35 years, raising a family and many critters. When Cathy returned to WA in 2012, she realized that Mason County had little to care for unwanted animals. She joined the Humane Society to help right this wrong.
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Scott Gordon Board member Scott with his pal Archie |
Scott Gordon has lived in Mason County most of his life. Prior to moving here full time in the early 1980's, he vacationed here on Hood Canal with his family. He graduated from North Mason High School and Olympic College. Scott is currently retired from the Washington State Patrol where he was a Sergeant. During his career he spent 8 years as an Explosive Detection K-9 Handler where he trained and worked 2 separate dogs. Prior to his State Patrol career, he spent 2 years as a Reserve Deputy with the Mason County Sheriff's Department and also worked as an Animal Control Officer with the Kitsap County Humane Society. There he worked in the kennels, enforced county as well as municipal laws related to animals, and completed animal cruelty investigations. Scott currently works for himself in real estate development. He resides in Twanoh Falls Beach Club where he is currently the board President and manages the water system. He has always had dogs as pets throughout his life and sees the need for an organized Humane Society in Mason County.
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Blanche Valverde Board member |
Blanche Valverde and her husband Rene moved from CA to WA in 2006 after retiring as an Operations Supervisor for The Social Security Administration in 1999. Their two adult sons still live in California. The entire family has always been animal lovers, so needless to say their home was never without a variety of animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, mice, chickens, snakes and an occasional wounded bird.
After moving to the Belfair area, Blanche became aware of the lack of a shelter in Mason County, but discovered the group of people who were working to get one built. She joined the Humane Society of Mason County in 2008 serving as Vice President until June 2012, and was the Director of the Spay and Neuter Program. |
Jodene Vaughan Board member |
Jodene Vaughan and her husband John moved to Mason County in 2002. Jodene became aware of the plight of homeless dogs and cats in Mason County and the desire and passion to help these sweet, innocent animals arose. She is originally from Lakeside, CA, and her father is credited with fostering her love for all creatures from dogs to birds. She moved to WA in 1990 and obtained a position working for Holly Ridge Center, Infant/Toddler Program, which is an Early Intervention Program for children with special needs from birth to 3 years old. Jodene worked at Holly Ridge Center for almost 16 years. Working at Holly Ridge Center built the passion in Jodene to help those that are in need. She then obtained a position as an administrative assistant at Harrison Medical Center in 2007. Jodene had the great fortune to obtain another position there that allows her to help people that are in need.
Jodene's main passion remains helping homeless, abandoned, dogs and cats. She feels that it is an important mission to build a shelter in Mason County to house, feed and provide medical care for homeless dogs and cats and to raise funds to continue HSMC's program to provide low cost spay and neuter. Jodene and her husband currently have five dogs and a cockatoo. Two of their beloved dogs are rescues. Jodene's cockatoo Brandy was originally rescued by her father. |
our story
Past | Present | Future
HistoryThe Humane Society of Mason County was founded in 1986 by a group of dedicated volunteers, many animals have been fostered over the years.
Starting in December 2004, in response to community need and spearheaded by a local veterinarian, efforts to revitalize the organization began. We have many local supporters, a volunteer network and a strong plan for the future of the Humane Society of Mason County. |
TodayOne of our current goals is the construction of a permanent shelter facility on a five acre parcel purchased near North Mason High School. With the construction of a centrally located shelter, we would be able to serve more county residents and have a location for our shelter building, adoption center, medical clinic and educational center.
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TomorrowWe are building in stages, as building a shelter that will benefit the community for years to come is expensive. Stage one has been completed with the installation of a well. Our next stage, which is scheduled to take place in the spring and summer of 2020, is to clear the land and fence the property.
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We are excited to finally get this undertaking started. It has been many years in the making and we welcome any volunteers interested in helping us raise funds or contribute building expertise toward this goal.
Contact us for more information at 360-275-9310, via email at info@hsmcwa.org
Contact us for more information at 360-275-9310, via email at info@hsmcwa.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is The Humane Society of Mason County? Where is your shelter?
The Humane Society of Mason County was founded in 1986 by a small group of caring citizen who banded together to assist animals in need and thus founded a non-profit organization they called The Humane Society of Mason County. This small grassroots group centered its work on fostering homeless pets and finding them appropriate "forever" homes. For many years, The Humane Society had donated its time and energy to helping many animals in need, and in 2004 it was determined that a proper "Brick and Mortar" shelter was considered necessary to continue their work. The plan was created and put into action to build a no-kill shelter to care for the many homeless, neglected and abused animals with little or no place to go. Currently our county's small shelters and rescue groups are overwhelmed and sadly, many of these adoptable pets end up in facilities which have limited space and do not subscribe to a "no-kill" philosophy.
Today the Humane Society is moving ever closer to realizing its dream. This animal shelter will be centrally located in Mason County and will be designed to offer not only a safe haven for needy animals, but also serve as a location for adoptions, low cost spay and neuter assistance, and provide other needed services to our community.
Today the Humane Society is moving ever closer to realizing its dream. This animal shelter will be centrally located in Mason County and will be designed to offer not only a safe haven for needy animals, but also serve as a location for adoptions, low cost spay and neuter assistance, and provide other needed services to our community.
What is your role in helping animals in Mason County?
The Humane Society of Mason County has been working hard for many years to establish a large "no-kill" shelter facility. As we continue moving forward with our goal of building our shelter we will continue to push forward and educate the public on animal welfare issues and provide assistance for those in our coommuity with our low costs spay and neuter program.
Our philosophy surrounding "no-kill" shelters stems from a belief that all animals have a right to live! It is our sincere desire to set this higher standard for pet life and implement the necessary educational programs and solutions to make that happen.
Our philosophy surrounding "no-kill" shelters stems from a belief that all animals have a right to live! It is our sincere desire to set this higher standard for pet life and implement the necessary educational programs and solutions to make that happen.
Where does the money I give the HSMC go?
A portion of all money donated to the HSMC goes into our Capital Building Campaign Fund. All other money is goes towards supporting our community programs.
Is the Humane Society of Mason County affiliated with any other Humane Society?
No. The Humane Society of Mason County is a private 501 C 3 Non-Profit Organization which relies entirely on generous donations, contributions, in-kind gifts, small grants and friends to support our many efforts. The HSMC is not affiliated with any other Humane Society. It is important to understand that, although you may already contribute to The Humane Society of the United States, this organization is not affiliated with any other independent Humane Society in our country and, thus, we do not receive any funding from this organization.
What do I do if I have to re-home my Cat or Dog?
Because the Humane Society does not have a shelter location we are not able to take in any animals at this time. We can educate you on alternative solutions and refer you to comprehensive network of other foster homes, rescue groups and neighboring shelters, including Kitsap Humane Society, and Kitten Rescue and Adopt A Pet of Shelton.
What do I do if I find a lost Cat or Dog?
Check the resource page of our website for options. You are welcome to call our office at 360-275-9310 for more information. Our office is staffed by volunteers and is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm.
How does The Humane Society of Mason County feel about breeders?
Many times we are faced with questions about our position regarding the "breeding" of animals. Because we are an advocate for the reduction in the number of animals euthanized each year in the United States our position is strongly in favor of spaying and neutering of all pets! Each year, millions of animals are killed needlessly, many of which were breed as investments, etc. and many more were "accidents" which could have been avoided. The Humane Society of Mason County supports all efforts made by responsible breeders who set standards on spaying and neutering of their puppies and kittens, who educate about proper pet care and the reality of the life long commitment they must be willing to make when purchasing an animal specifically bred for them.
What do I do if there is a vicious dog in my neighborhood?
In the event you have an encounter with a vicious or dangerous animal of any kind, DO NOT approach the animal, and contact animal control immediately! Mason County Animal Control can be reached at: (360) 275-4467 Ext.313
Does the Humane society of mason county offer help with feral/stray cats?
Because Mason County has many acres of rural countryside, it is a perfect haven for feral or stray cats. Feral cats tend to live in what is referred to as a "cat colony" which can number anywhere from 2 cats to 20+. Cat colonies are primarily made up of female cats with roaming male "toms" who visit occasionally to impregnate mature females; it is a situation that can easily get out of control.
Assistance is available through feral cat trap, neuter and release programs (TNR). These programs do not take in feral cats, nor do they find homes for strays. They work in conjunction with you to offer spay and neuter assistance and then return them to be released. As a result, these cats can live out their rest of their lives without the burden of potential disease transition, starvation due to resource depletion, death by predation, or euthanasia at a shelter since this type of wild/feral cats is not suitable to be adopted as a family pet.
For more information about Feral Cat Programs please contact Northwest Spay and Neuter at: (253) 627-7729.
Assistance is available through feral cat trap, neuter and release programs (TNR). These programs do not take in feral cats, nor do they find homes for strays. They work in conjunction with you to offer spay and neuter assistance and then return them to be released. As a result, these cats can live out their rest of their lives without the burden of potential disease transition, starvation due to resource depletion, death by predation, or euthanasia at a shelter since this type of wild/feral cats is not suitable to be adopted as a family pet.
For more information about Feral Cat Programs please contact Northwest Spay and Neuter at: (253) 627-7729.
i need to spay or neutuer my pet, can humane society of mason county help?
The Humane Society of Mason County has a spay and neuter program to assist residents of Mason County. Visit our Programs page for more information.
