Maddie Lockett is a social worker employed by the Lawrence Humane Society to assist people in retaining their pets due to a crisis situation. This represents a new role for the shelter, as keeping pets and owners together is good for the community. A Crisis Retention Fund was established that relies on donations to fund this important task. Maddie works with pet owners to provide emergency vet care, emergency boarding, essential pet supplies, pet deposits for rentals, and behavior consulting. LHS also sponsors low cost vaccine clinics, homeless outreach and a pet food pantry. People may apply for services as walk-ins or on line or may be referred by one of the LHS’s partner organizations. Partners include Just Food, Senior Resource Center, Bert Nash, rural communities and teachers. Preserving dignity and trust building are key good client service. Maddie is a graduate of Kansas University and worked domestic violence and human trafficking before joining the LHS. Maddie lives in Lawrence and has a “pirate” cat named Kelly.
