The Kentucky Humane Society is saddened by the loss of Sam Swope, and we extend our deepest sympathy to the Swope family. He will be missed.
Gift to Kentucky Humane Society Will Launch Plans for a Medical and Behavioral Rehabilitation Center for Dogs and Cats
AUGUST 5, 2014 – The Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) in Louisville announced today a $1 million gift from Sam Swope, founder of Sam Swope Auto Group.
This is the largest gift from an individual donor in KHS’ 130-year history, according to Lori Redmon, KHS President & CEO.
The donation will allow the private nonprofit animal welfare agency to rehabilitate more dogs and cats throughout Kentucky that have suffered from abuse, neglect, cruelty, illness and behavioral challenges. This lead gift will help KHS fund a new treatment and rehabilitation facility for shelter pets, which will be named the Sam Swope Pet Treatment & Lifesaving Center (TLC). The facility will be built on the KHS Main Campus in south Louisville.
“Mr. Swope has long been a friend to companion animals. With his gift, KHS will launch a campaign to create what we believe is the nation’s first stand-alone medical and behavioral rehabilitation center for dogs and cats. We are so grateful for Mr. Swope’s incredible generosity and his desire to help our state’s most vulnerable shelter pets,” said Redmon.
Patti Swope, a member of the KHS Board of Directors and the campaign chair, explained the need for the Sam Swope Pet TLC.
“Tragically, dogs and cats throughout Kentucky suffer from homelessness, abuse, neglect and indifference. The Sam Swope Pet TLC will allow the Kentucky Humane Society to heal the broken bodies and spirits of the neediest shelter pets and will be a national model for animal rehabilitation,” said Swope.
“This new center will expand the Kentucky Humane Society’s Main Campus capacity by 47%, which will free up valuable space at the main shelter so more pets can be brought in from overcrowded public shelters across the state and region, where adoption options are few,” said Swope.
The Sam Swope Pet TLC will also allow KHS to respond to requests for emergency sheltering due to large-scale cruelty cases and natural disasters.
KHS is the largest and oldest animal welfare agency in the Kentucky and finds homes for more than 6,000 cats and dogs a year. The nonprofit agency saves every adoptable pet it takes in. Last year 94% of pets at KHS found new homes. In addition to providing comprehensive medical services, KHS provides behavioral modification for shelter pets, including puppy mill dogs, victims of hoarding cases, and dogs with behavioral issues that create challenges to adoption.
To fund the building of the Swope Pet TLC, KHS will need to raise an additional $3 million, according to Redmon. KHS expects fundraising and construction to take three years to complete. More information will be made available on the KHS website, www.kyhumane.org.