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| HSI 2007 |
| Expo's international attendees |
They came from 29 countries around the globe, some traveling in excess of 8,000 miles. Eighty-four international animal welfare workers participated in the annual Animal Care Expo sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Humane Society International (HSI) held in early May in Dallas, TX. This three-and-a-half-day event offered participants the opportunity to attend workshops and special sessions on a wide range of animal care and protection topics.
There were also special social events and a world-class trade show. Those attending had a unique opportunity to meet and talk with experts on animal-related issues and to get to know their colleagues from around the world.
In addition to the wide range of workshops offered by The HSUS, HSI offered special workshops and events designed specifically for international attendees from developing countries.
The focus of this year's international workshops was the development of a strong organization and utilizing the strength and knowledge that comes from working as a team. Presentations included: "Becoming a Self-Reliant Organization," "Planning and Implementing Effective Campaigns" and "Compassion Fatigue." The final workshop included a panel of international animal welfare organizations whose speakers provided attendees with an overview of each organization, its mission and how it can assist them in achieving their goal.
HSI also arranged week-long internships for qualified international applicants at selected animal protection agencies and humane societies in the United States. This year's six interns represented Sierra Leone, Serbia, India, and Romania. Thanks to the hospitality of their host organizations—SPCA of Texas, Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Denver Dumb Friends League, Humane Society of Austin and Humane Society of Bexar County—these interns were able to participate in all aspects of daily shelter/society operation, working alongside staff in such activities as: receiving and record keeping, health screening, animal capture and handling, shelter cleaning, euthanasia and adoption.
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| HSI 2007 |
| Enjoying a competitive game of Jeopardy! |
During the events, HSI honored the two newest additions to our Animal Advocates program: the Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre in Nepal and the Animal Help Foundation in Ahmadabad, India. HSI presented the HSI Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Achievement to Dr. Jack Reece, a veterinarian with the Help In Suffering organization in Jaipur, India.
While the week was filled with lots of information and new ideas, perhaps the most important aspect of Expo for the international participants was the ability to network with others working in similar (or even more challenging) conditions around the world. The HSI hospitality room also provided a place for the international community to share their cultures through crafts, music, art, printed materials, and conversation.
Informal events like the HSI Networking Social, the reception for international guests, and a "post-Expo" dinner provided a more relaxed environment for attendees to get to know each other and draw strength from others' experiences.
One attendee put it this way: "It's amazing to realize that so many good things are happening all around the world to help our friends, the animals. That gives us more strength to keep fighting for animal care and protection in our country. Because we know we are the seed, and some day from this is going to be a tree. Please keep giving us your support to continue with our job."
