 Out of the thousands of pets we see each year, some animals and their stories will always stay with us. Nova is one of those cases. Trigger Warning: Though we will spare you the worst details and will not share any gruesome photos, Nova's story may be upsetting for some. Please read with caution. A community member found Nova in a ditch on the side of the road. She was in active labor, and they brought her to us for care. Then came the "birth." We were disheartened to witness Nova deliver a malformed, deceased baby. Later came another deceased, deformed kitten that was stuck and needed vet intervention to be gently removed. During surgery, Nova's infected uterus was removed along with one final deceased kitten. The trauma is over, and now Nova can now begin to heal.  The Promise of Tomorrow Nova's body is still recovering, but we're happy to report that she is doing well in a loving foster home. This precious girl adores being snuggled and held. Though she's a bit tentative in new situations, she's slowly gaining confidence and beginning to explore her temporary home. She has the cutest chirp when she's excited, and she's a champion biscuit maker!  Life-saving Care at HSMCAt HSMC, we see the value of affordable spay/neuter services first-hand every day, and we make it our mission to provide this care to our community. In fact, we have increased access to our community veterinary care by providing more clinic appointments, and thanks to your support, we have plans to continue expanding our services! While spay/neuter is imperative to prevent unwanted litters and help manage the overpopulation crisis, sterilizing a pet also reduces dangerous health risks, including certain cancers and uterine infections. Pregnancy is hard on an animal's body, and complications may arise at any time, but young pets that are not fully mature, as well as senior pets, are at a greater risk.  12-year-old Katie came into our care through our Last Litter program, along with her three puppies. Once the puppies are weaned, Katie will be spayed and returned home. The puppies will be available for adoption once they're old enough to be spayed/neutered. Superheroes in Action Each week, approximately 50 new animals are coming into our care during this busy season. We are so grateful to our incredible foster caregivers! Because of these superheroes, we can continue to say YES to the animals who need us. Have you ever considered fostering? WE NEED YOU! If you've ever thought about being a temporary safe haven for an animal in need, please begin your foster journey by completing an application. One of our fosters will give you a call to answer all your questions and get you started.  More Ways to HelpWe understand that not everyone is in the position to foster, and that's OK. There are so many ways to support the life-saving work of HSMC, and here are just a few ideas. We appreciate you! Host a fundraiser! Gather your neighbors for a garage sale to support HSMC. Invite friends over for game night and collect donations for the animals. The possibilities are endless! Purchase raffle tickets Our Golden Ticket raffle drawing will take place at our Tails event this Saturday. You do not need to be present to win. Purchase your tickets today for a chance to win a fabulous vacation! You choose between a dreamy 5 nights in Mexico or a taste of southern whiskey with a 3-night trip to Tennessee. Tickets on sale through Friday 5/29; closes at midnight. Share our social media Did you know that simply sharing and commenting on our social media posts raises funds for HSMC. Follow us, and be sure to engage! Volunteer We can always use more volunteers! Spend time with kitties. Help out in our office. Assist with events. Transport animals. Complete a volunteer application to get started. Donate Your gifts directly improve the lives of animals in our community. Thank you for giving generously. Consider a recurring donation for a steady source of funding for our programs! 
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 After being with us almost a year, we're overjoyed that Harstine and Dixie have been adopted together in a very special "foster fail."
The story of how these dogs, who were abandoned and scared, found safety and family is incredibly heartwarming. Grab some tissues! You're going to need them as our fosters share their decision to shift from temporary to forever with these two precious dogs. Enjoy this beautiful story shared from Harstine and Dixie's fosters, turned adopters, in their own words.  Temporary. That was the word we clung to. A bridge, not a destination. We help dogs decompress, learn what it feels like to be safe, then send them to their forever homes. We have said it out loud, more than once, like a rule not meant to be broken. Then came Harstine. A BIG scared galoof that stole our hearts from day one, but the goal was to help him find his way. We said, "He will make an incredible dog someday." We meant it.  Then came Dixie. On a hot August day, she needed help.This shy girl chose life with her own agenda. We laughed and said, "She's going to make somebody so happy; she is such a good girl." We meant that too. As fosters, we spent countless hours trying to prepare them for their future. The applications that came in were close matches, but nothing that seemed perfect.  Then something happened that we didn't plan for. Harstine changed his routine, brought ballies to us, and relaxed in a way we had never seen. Dixie started looking for us, enjoying car rides, helping Harstine balance his fears. The last few applications, something would tighten in our chests. Letting them go would not be helping them, it would be breaking something that had already come together.
 Imagine a world in which all of our community’s pets are safe, healthy and loved. In just three short years, the Humane Society of Mason County has jumped in with both feet, ready to make this vision a reality.Because of your support, we launched a low-cost spay/neuter clinic that has already changed the lives of over 13,000 animals! That means THOUSANDS of pets are no longer adding to the overpopulation crisis. This year alone, our small team of staff, volunteers and fosters has rescued almost 1,400 pets, which includes bottle babies, strays, cats in overcrowded hoarding homes, animals who are injured or sick, birds whose owner passed away, senior pets, and a couple of guinea pigs and rabbits.  Maurice's StoryBy the time Maurice came to HSMC, he was the only survivor in his litter, and he was in rough shape! He had been stepped on and had terrible fractures and contusions. Our skilled vet team (with stabilizing support from the ER vets) helped repair his little body, and his foster family gave him all the love and care he needed to heal. Once he was off kennel rest, Maurice showed off all his pent-up energy by playing hard with every cat, dog and person he could find! What a wonderful sight to see this baby playing! No more broken body, no more fear! Maurice's playful energy resulted in another wonderful success! He helped foster sibling Boriska come out of her shell! When she first went into her foster home, Boriska endured pets but mostly just wanted to hide in a corner. Her foster family was making slow progress on getting her to trust them...and then Maurice came to live with them! Maurice refused to accept "no" for an answer! He'd get Boriska to play with him no matter what! Check out this video of the early days when Maurice was just starting to teach Boriska to play. He was tenacious...and she was falling for his charms! It worked! Now, our once shy Boriska can't get enough attention from her people! She's such a fun, silly little girl! Check out this video to see what a love bug she is! We have a feeling Boriska will be adopted in no time now that Maurice has helped her gain confidence.  Amazing news! Our miracle baby Maurice has been adopted and is loving life with his new family! Here's what his adopter shared with us... "Todd, formally Maurice, is settling in so well already! I'm recovering after a very recent but luckily minor heart attack and when I went in to Ziggy's Cat Lounge to meet him, he crawled down my sweatshirt and curled up right over my heart and purred. That's when I knew I had to bring him home. This little man is a joy!" Congratulations to this new family! There's still time to give in 2025!We're blessed to witness countless miracle stories, like Maurice's, because of your support! If you have given in any way this year, please know that YOU are the reason we celebrate these successes!
We rely solely on our low fee for services, the grants we diligently apply for, and donations from people who believe in what we’re doing and want to be part of the solution. Thank you for your support!  I’m thrilled to share how compassion, patience, and perseverance has led to saving lives and ending the cycle of continuous puppy litters.This isn’t the first time Harley has given birth to puppies, but it will be her last! Can you believe that this sweet mom had 15 babies? Sadly, by the time they came to us at the Humane Society of Mason County, two of the puppies had passed away. Now this big family is living the spoiled life and getting all the loving care they need from one of our superhero foster moms!  Harley comes from a family living in rural Mason County that has endured hardship exacerbated by a lack of reliable transportation, phone and internet service, and even power to their home. They have several adult dogs and have experienced multiple litters of puppies. Over the past year, we’ve built a relationship with this family based on trust and ongoing support. We have accepted 29 puppies from them, we have spayed or neutered most of their adult dogs, and the mom currently in our care will be spayed as soon as her babies are weaned. The remaining mom and babies are expected into our care soon.  Your compassion has changed the course of so many lives. With your support HSMC can reach the next family that is overwhelmed and in need of support. Donate today to help us save more |
| After many visits, Angela was ready to begin fostering Dorothy, which would allow them more time together while we helped address any challenges Dorothy faced during the transition. However, before Dorothy could head to her new home, we needed to build her a fence. Angela is in a temporary house until her new home is ready, and her rental doesn't have fencing. We're grateful to have the best team of volunteers! Once they learned of this need, one volunteer loaned us all the supplies and two others installed the temporary fencing. |  |
Dorothy's transition to her new home went better than expected. She jumped onto the bed as soon as she walked in, knowing that this was it...her forever. After a couple of weeks in foster without issue, Angela has made it official!
After 311 days in care, Dorothy has been adopted! To honor her new life, she is now called Trinity.
After 311 days in care, Dorothy has been adopted! To honor her new life, she is now called Trinity.
THANK YOU
Thank you to our donors, volunteers, and staff/vet team who all played a part in helping heal Dorothy's shattered body and broken spirit.
Thank you to Angela for your commitment to this beautiful survivor who is already thriving in her new life! We wish you great happiness and love.
Thank you to Angela for your commitment to this beautiful survivor who is already thriving in her new life! We wish you great happiness and love.
VIDEO: Dorothy, now Trinity's first trip to the beach!
The kitties that we recently rescued from the overcrowded home in Mason County (with 81 cats!) are now available for adoption. As you can imagine, their lack of socialization has left them a bit timid, but they're all the sweetest, most gentle cats!
In fact, check out this video of Ziggy that just might make you a little teary-eyed! Ziggy was quite nervous when he first arrived in foster. But after lots of patience and love, he has decided that his foster mom gives the best love! Just listen to that purr while this little guy is making biscuits to rival the best bakers in town!
Ziggy and his brother Patches are looking for a home together. When they aren't snoozing in their favorite perches or getting snuggles from their fosters, they love to wrestle and play! Here's a video of Patches with one of his favorite toys.
In fact, check out this video of Ziggy that just might make you a little teary-eyed! Ziggy was quite nervous when he first arrived in foster. But after lots of patience and love, he has decided that his foster mom gives the best love! Just listen to that purr while this little guy is making biscuits to rival the best bakers in town!
Ziggy and his brother Patches are looking for a home together. When they aren't snoozing in their favorite perches or getting snuggles from their fosters, they love to wrestle and play! Here's a video of Patches with one of his favorite toys.
  | Dotty and Slate also came from this same home and will appreciate some time to settle into their new family. They are younger, mostly likely around a year or less, and enjoy time with the people they love once they feel comfortable. These girls enjoy being around other cats and have even spent time with a calm dog and done well. Dotty is such a petite kitty, and Slate has the cutest underbite! |
During the month of August, we participated in Clear The Shelters, a nationwide campaign to encourage animal adoption from shelters and rescues across the country.
Given the large number of animals in care during the summer, this was a great time to offer reduced adoption fees - 50% off teen/adult cats and 50% off the second kitten when adopted in pairs.
During the adoption process, our trained volunteer counselors spend time in conversation with each applicant. We discuss their lifestyle, family and home environment to determine which pet might be a good match. We share helpful information on kitten care and safety as well as how to slowly introduce their new pet to other pets in the home and to children.
We come alongside our adopters as partners, offering guidance and support to help ensure a successful adoption.
Given the large number of animals in care during the summer, this was a great time to offer reduced adoption fees - 50% off teen/adult cats and 50% off the second kitten when adopted in pairs.
During the adoption process, our trained volunteer counselors spend time in conversation with each applicant. We discuss their lifestyle, family and home environment to determine which pet might be a good match. We share helpful information on kitten care and safety as well as how to slowly introduce their new pet to other pets in the home and to children.
We come alongside our adopters as partners, offering guidance and support to help ensure a successful adoption.
Let's Celebrate!
In August, a whopping 153 animals found their forever homes! This is about the same number of adoptions we saw in June and July combined.
We love when kittens are adopted together. In fact, we require that all kittens adopted from us go home with a compatible feline friend for their social development and general well-being. This past month, we had four families who took it a step further and adopted THREE kittens each! We can only imagine how fun their houses must be right now!
In addition to offering discounted adoption fees, we also began a partnership with PetSmart in Silverdale and hosted open houses at our adoption center in Belfair.
And though our Clear the Shelters discounts are no longer available, we are continuing the reduced adoption fees for select pets, so please spread the word that we have great animals still looking for their forever families.
We love when kittens are adopted together. In fact, we require that all kittens adopted from us go home with a compatible feline friend for their social development and general well-being. This past month, we had four families who took it a step further and adopted THREE kittens each! We can only imagine how fun their houses must be right now!
In addition to offering discounted adoption fees, we also began a partnership with PetSmart in Silverdale and hosted open houses at our adoption center in Belfair.
And though our Clear the Shelters discounts are no longer available, we are continuing the reduced adoption fees for select pets, so please spread the word that we have great animals still looking for their forever families.
 | We're grateful for our long-standing partnership with Ziggy's Cat Lounge in Bremerton. In their first two years, Ziggy's helped adopt 714 HSMC cats! Let's show them our support!
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We're not kitten around. We've been at war with the spores!
Moe and friends are such fun guys...who also happen to have fungi!
All jokes aside, these little ones had mild signs of ringworm or were exposed to it. Ringworm is a contagious but very treatable fungus, sort of like athlete's foot.
These sweet, absolutely adorable kittens are ready to go into their forever families while they finish their treatment.
We'll provide their adopters with 30 days of medical support, including medication, instructions, and rechecks if needed.
Don't let a little scabby skin come between you and your new best friend!
Moe and friends are such fun guys...who also happen to have fungi!
All jokes aside, these little ones had mild signs of ringworm or were exposed to it. Ringworm is a contagious but very treatable fungus, sort of like athlete's foot.
These sweet, absolutely adorable kittens are ready to go into their forever families while they finish their treatment.
We'll provide their adopters with 30 days of medical support, including medication, instructions, and rechecks if needed.
Don't let a little scabby skin come between you and your new best friend!
| In April, HSMC worked with a community member who surrendered 46 cats that were living together in one home, some of whom were pregnant or with babies. The neighbor surrendered 3 puppies at the same time. As difficult as it is to manage a large intake of animals at once, we're always grateful for pet owners who trust that we'll take care of their animals. Hoarding cases often start with good intentions and quickly spiral out of control. Once the animals are with us, they receive much-needed veterinary care, lots of love, and, when ready, we work hard to find loving forever homes that are a match for their needs. Raven, pictured here, came to us from this hoarding situation with a severe upper respiratory infection, which has caused a permanent head tilt and watery eye. But neither of these things slow her down. This tiny, 6 pound teen loves to play, explore and nap. Raven's favorite spot is in the sunroom, where she spends hours napping, snuggling her foster mom, watching critters, and chasing bugs! Raven joins her foster in the garden from a safe vantage point inside her cat stroller. She has learned to walk on a harness and is even training to ride in her foster's mobility scooter. This girl is spoiled! |    |
Paws in Print
In this blog, you'll find adoption stories to warm your heart, plus news, tips for pet care, and so much more!
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The Humane Society of Mason County
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Office Address
24070 State Route 3 Belfair, WA 98528 |
Office Hours
Monday through Friday 9am - 1pm Adoption by Appointment |
Mailing Address
PO Box 168 Belfair, WA 98528 |
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© 2025 The Humane Society of Mason County
Supporting all of Mason County, including Shelton, Belfair, Allyn, Grapeview, Hoodsport, and Matlock.
Supporting all of Mason County, including Shelton, Belfair, Allyn, Grapeview, Hoodsport, and Matlock.