Updates on a proposed partnership with the City of Shelton

December 31, 2025

As we close out another year, I want to share my heartfelt gratitude with everyone who has walked alongside HSMC. Your time, funding, expertise, and kind words have made a meaningful difference. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your generosity, compassion, and support.

Working in animal welfare is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. There are sad days when an animal is simply too sick to be saved, and our hearts hurt for those we lose. But those moments are only part of the story. There are also so many moments of hope. Beautiful lives we are able to nurse back to health. Animals who learn what love feels like, gain confidence, and move on to life with families of their own.

All lives are precious, and it is a true honor and joy to be part of their journey.
​
It is because of you that we are able to say "yes" to so many animals in need, including my sweet foster Konica, who has been adopted and is living her best life!

Update

You may be aware that the Humane Society of Mason County has been in conversation with the City of Shelton to determine how we might partner together to expand animal welfare services in Shelton.

The City Council recently conducted a study session to consider this partnership. I hope you'll take the time to watch the video recording of the meeting.

The details of exactly what that partnership would look like is still being discussed, and there is no time frame for when, or if, the partnership would begin. Nevertheless, I think it's important to keep you in the loop and share some of my thoughts.

First and foremost, please know that HSMC is committed to Mason County and the surrounding area. We currently serve the residents of Shelton and will continue to do so whether we enter into a partnership with the City of Shelton or not.

We are a nonprofit organization, and we currently rely solely on our low services for fees, the grants we diligently apply for, and generous donations. We are committed to fiscal responsibility; to using the funds entrusted to us with wisdom, gratitude and respect. Our organization will continue to grow, and our services will be expanded, as funding allows us to do so.

A partnership with the City would enable us to expand our services for that community. Through our established, robust programming, we would be able to provide greater visibility for Shelton's adoptable dogs, reduce length of stay, and ensure quality veterinary care, enrichment and behavioral support, whether those dogs are located at the Shelton shelter facility or in our foster program.

This proposal includes an animal welfare officer, a role that is greatly needed, yet is not currently available anywhere within the county. Not only would this position advise on cruelty and neglect cases, and assist with at-large and dangerous dogs, but this person will be a resource for the community, offering education and options for affordable services and solutions.

What we're proposing is a true partnership, where the City of Shelton provides a percentage of the funds needed for this program, and we contribute funds as well. We'll have the greatest impact by working together!
​
I'll update you as I know more about this potential partnership. But for now, please know that I'm grateful for your support. HSMC is proud to serve our community, and we are looking forward to growing our capacity for service. The need is so great, but together we are making a real difference!

With gratitude,

​Katherine Johnson
Executive Director