As September draws to a close and we step into the fall season, I find myself reflecting on how much has happened in such a short span of time at AWA. This past month has brought change, community ties, growth, and special moments. They remind me why this work matters. Our staff is resilient, our supporters are generous, and the animals have a strong spirit. These qualities shine through, even with challenges.
Events That Strengthen Bonds
Our calendar has been full, and each event offered a chance to raise funds, increase awareness, and connect with the community.
Kitten Yoga was a highlight for many, blending the joy of playful kittens with the mindfulness of yoga. This season it raised over $2,400, and it brought in more than money. It brought smiles, new visitors, and even adopters. People shared photos of their experiences and came back to adopt or encouraged others to do so. These classes proved that when we create fun, inviting spaces, people respond with generosity and joy.
We also hosted a Phillies Phundraiser by selling tickets to the September 9 game against the Mets. For every ticket sold, $8 came back to AWA, and we sold 75 tickets, raising $600. The evening was about more than the funds. It was about being together as a community of animal lovers outside of the shelter walls. Staff, volunteers, and supporters brought their families and friends, represented AWA with pride, and enjoyed the excitement of the game. Kyle Schwarber even hit his 50th home run that night, which made the event extra memorable.
Our annual Luminaries event once again brought a sense of peace and remembrance. More than 200 luminaries lit our sidewalks in honor of beloved pets who had passed. This year, we added new features, including a memorial rock station where attendees could decorate stones and place them in our pollinator garden. We also created a special memorial for shelter pets who never found their forever families. This addition had a deep impact on staff, volunteers, and attendees. While the financial results were not as strong as last year, with fewer luminary sales, the meaning behind the event was as powerful as ever. Lower expenses and more donations helped balance the results, but it was the emotional connections that made this year truly special.
Looking ahead, we are excited about several upcoming events. Our Fall Mums Sale is already underway, with supporters buying hundreds of mums to add autumn beauty to their homes while helping our cause. Howl-O-Ween is around the corner, and we have reimagined it for 2025 as a celebration for all ages. We will still have trunk-or-treating and kids’ activities, and this year we are adding live music, a mobile bar with fall cocktails, vendors, food trucks, and more. With more than $5,000 in sponsorships already committed, this event is shaping up to be one of our best yet. On October 22, we will team up with Subaru for Make a Dog’s Day at Pyne Point Park, bringing our Vets on Wheels, a pet food pantry, and fun activities for families to Camden residents.
Navigating Change in the Shelter and Clinic
This season brought many transitions in our shelter and clinic. The absence of Dr. Emily and Liz required adjustments, but I have been deeply impressed by how our team responded. Ashley, our Shelter Veterinary Technician Supervisor, worked closely with Jenna and Abby from our Behavior team to make sure everything ran smoothly and the animals received great care. Their grit and dedication inspired me every day.
We also saw leadership changes in other departments. Cole moved from foster and transport coordinator to become our new Shelter Services Supervisor. Kim, our former rehoming and intake specialist, is now the foster and transport coordinator. She is working to grow and strengthen our foster network and brings new ideas to boost foster retention through education and engagement. Kelly stepped into the rehoming and intake role on a temporary basis, ensuring continuity. These transitions showed how adaptable and team-oriented our staff are, and I could not be prouder.
Adoptions have been unpredictable, echoing national trends. In August, dog adoptions were down 26 percent and cat adoptions were down 14 percent compared to projections. However, September brought an encouraging week with 20 dog adoptions, reminiscent of pre-pandemic levels. While the momentum tapered off, it was a hopeful reminder of what is possible. The ebb and flow can be frustrating, but we continue to work hard to make sure every animal has the best chance at a forever home.
Our medical team also showed resilience. With Ashley leading, the shelter services team kept practices running smoothly. Contracted veterinarians and our clinic staff worked hand in hand to maintain surgery flow and client services. We are pleased to share that Dr. Lisa Tratchenberg is now with us four days a week, providing much-needed stability in the clinic. We are also in discussions with a candidate to fill Dr. Emily’s role permanently in the spring. In the meantime, our team has not missed a beat, and our animals remain in capable hands.
Education and Outreach: Extending Our Mission
Education remains a cornerstone of our mission, and September was filled with meaningful programs. Our summer camp program concluded with 180 campers over nine weeks, raising more than $54,000. This program is about more than revenue. It is about sparking empathy and compassion in the next generation.
We are also proud of the newly revamped P.A.W.S. program, which officially launched in mid-September. This program teams up with local schools and groups that support people with developmental disabilities. It helps participants gain real-world skills and confidence while furthering our mission. Already, the response has been enthusiastic, and by October we will have five partner organizations involved. This program demonstrates our belief that AWA helps both animals and people and that it builds stronger communities with compassion.
Our education team also represented AWA at community events, including Oaks Integrated Care’s Touch-a-Truck in Camden and the BookSmiles 5K. These outreach opportunities expanded our visibility and deepened our connections. AWA Animal Academy kicked off its fall series on September 16, and we saw strong participation. Birthday parties, VIP experiences, and our Wags & Wiggles program educated more than 600 people this month.
Marketing and Storytelling
This month, we experienced mixed digital performance. Overall traffic declined, but we saw growth in adoption-focused content and revenue. The Raining Cats video campaign was a big success. It ran in July and August, bringing in almost 95,000 impressions and over 6,000 conversions. This campaign drove a 70 percent increase in views of our Adopt a Cat page and a 38 percent increase in users. It was a powerful example of how video storytelling can inspire action and bring visibility to the animals who need us most.
A Favorite Moment to Carry Forward
Among all the numbers, events, and transitions, I want to end with a story that captures the heart of AWA. On September 11, I attended a Girl Scout event at Tavistock Country Club. A young Scout stood up and shared what being part of Girl Scouts meant to her. She spoke with such sincerity about her favorite project, which was coming to AWA to read to the animals. She said it was meaningful because her reading could help the animals feel less stressed, making it easier for them to find a home.
Her words touched me deeply. She understood, in her own way, why this program matters. Afterward, I found her to thank her for her kindness. I handed her my business card, and her eyes lit up with surprise and joy. It was such a small gesture, but the moment was priceless. It reminded me once again that the work we do touches lives in ways that cannot always be measured.
Moving Forward
As October begins, I feel grateful. Our staff meets every challenge. Our volunteers and supporters give generously. The animals remind us why we do this. September was a season of change, but also of strength, connection, and compassion. Together we are not only saving lives, we are building a community rooted in kindness and hope.
With appreciation,
Laura Houston
Executive Director
