Hernando County Animal Services

Commencing in June 2019, I embarked on a journey of altruism by devoting my time to the noble cause of animal welfare at Hernando County Animal Services. My decision was based on the immense impact I envisioned this undertaking could have on the local animal community. This facility, under the control of the local government, functions as the first point of call for all stray animals. Despite its status as a kill-shelter, HCAS has been successful in achieving a very high save rate, owing to its utilization of social media as an advertising platform for its furry occupants. As I soon discovered, our photographs play a crucial role in enabling animals to find new homes. Therefore, I took it upon myself to create an Instagram and TikTok that would cater to the younger generation of potential adopters. To this day, I am proud to manage their social media, and it fills me with immense joy to witness the successful adoptions of animals we have captured on camera.

As someone who holds a profound love for animals, I was eager to develop my skills in photographing moving subjects while simultaneously helping creatures in need. My time at HCAS revealed to me that "the pound" is not a place of sadness. It is a place where animals can feel safe and loved, which they might have lacked in their previous homes. In fact, I learned that sometimes, finding themselves in a shelter can prove to be a better alternative than living in a misguided home. The animals at HCAS are not scary or broken; they are worthy of love and care, and it brings me immense pleasure to volunteer at this shelter every week.

In conclusion, I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to meet and work with the staff and volunteers at HCAS. The experience has been nothing short of enchanting, and it has been an absolute privilege to devote my time to this cause.