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Tuesday 12pm - 6pm Wednesday 12pm - 6pm Thursday 12pm - 6pm Friday 12pm - 6pm Saturday 12pm - 5pm Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Woodford Humane Society

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Versailles, KY
Woodford Humane Society

Woodford Humane Society 501c3 nonprofit animal adoption center in Versailles, KY Serving the animals of Central KY since 1975

04/02/2025

Yes yes, small dogs are great and all...but have you ever met a Perfect Schmedium?! Well now you have, because Perry is simply unbeatable! This adorable 1 year old pug mix is about 30 lbs: bigger than, say, a platypus, but still easy to scoop up when you need to and exactly the right size for sofa snuggles! Perry is also just about the happiest dog you'll ever meet and he seems to love everybody on two legs or four, so he's really scoring points on all fronts. Don't take our word for it, give us a call at (859) 873-5491 to meet him and see just how perfect a schmedium sized dog can be!

03/31/2025

One last adoption story to round out 50th Birthday Month! Enjoy!

Finn's Adoption Story, from Brittany:
"Nine years ago, during winter break from college, I walked into Woodford Humane Society with a plan. Living out of state, away from my family and childhood pets, I wanted to start building a little family of my own. I had already picked out a dog online—small, female, just what I thought I was looking for. But when I arrived, something felt off. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to walk through the runs and see the other dogs, just to be sure.

As I made my way past the kennels, excited dogs jumped and barked, eager for attention. Then, I passed one run and almost didn’t notice the quiet figure sitting inside. He wasn’t small or female, and he wasn’t even moving—just sitting there, calmly watching as I walked by. I kept going, but something pulled me back. That was Finn (then known as Fido), and in that moment, I knew I had to meet him.

When the staff brought Finn into the meet-and-greet room, I sat on the floor, waiting to see how he would react. Without hesitation, he walked right up, sat in front of me, and licked my face. That was it. No second guesses, no doubts. My heart melted, and I knew I wasn’t leaving without him.

Since that day, Finn has been my rock through every chapter of life. We graduated college together, moved states (multiple times), bought homes, faced health scares, and navigated all of life’s highs and lows side by side. He is my soul dog and my best friend. But Finn’s impact goes beyond just me. He has stolen the hearts of my family, my friends, and even complete strangers who were once hesitant around him. He has shown everyone who meets him the beauty of dog adoption and how deeply misunderstood Pittie breeds can be. Through his unwavering love, his goofy spirit, and his gentle nature, Finn has helped change minds and break stereotypes.

I am forever grateful to Woodford Humane Society for bringing us together and for the incredible work they do for every animal waiting to find their forever home. Because of them, I found my family."

03/31/2025

Pet of the Week: Penelope!
7 years old, spayed female, calico markings, short hair

Who doesn't love a beautiful calico?! Nobody, that's who! And this gorgeous girl has no trouble maintaining her inherent popularity, because she's lovely inside and out. Penelope is such a laid-back sweetheart! She's never met a stranger, and she adores a good snuggle sesh from anyone who's offering. Best of all, Penelope has lived with kids, cats, and dogs and gotten along with everyone! There's no reason for this sweetie to wait too long for a home, so if you've been looking for a loves-everyone, go-with-the-flow kind of feline friend, give us a call at (859) 873-5491 and make an appointment to meet her!

03/31/2025

Woodford Humane turned 50 on March 25th! Enjoy this final day of birthday month adoption stories ❤

Maeve's Adoption Story, from Kristen:

"I was looking for another dog but not looking for a dog. Needed the right fit for farm life and people constantly coming and going. Growing up as an avid Labrador family, I was hoping to adopt and not shop. My friend Nickie (a fellow Woodford Humane supporter) sent me Maeve’s information and I was hooked. The biggest hurdle was the soon to be big little brother Tex Mex, and if he would accept a new sibling. We ventured to Woodford Humane and the staff was wonderful in letting me meet her first, then gave Tex Mex time to decide. When he gave into Maeve’s attempt to play, her fate was sealed with us.

Maeve (lovingly nicknamed the Elephant) came home with us and figured out farm life was her thing! The first time she got to run with no restrictions after Tex Mex, the joy on her face was heartwarming. She was over 100 # when Woodford took her in, but farm life has her a healthy 88 # and running for miles! Today she gets to do all sorts of activities but horseback riding with the biggest brother Twister has become her favorite thing. All you have to say is go for a ride and she zooms to the truck ready to go! She has also been a solid traveler to see her Wisconsin family that LOVE having her when I have to travel without her.

Everyone who meets Maeve falls in love with her zest for life personality and people. That solid tail NEVER stops wagging! Her household pastimes are being a cuddle bedhog, shaking her toys as hard has she can as she runs through the house, and poking Tex Mex to play with her.

Woodford Humane does a spectacular job finding the right fit for their rescues as well as taking care of their facilities. Maeve is as blessed as we are to have found each other through them!"

03/30/2025

Woodford Humane turned 50 on March 25th! 🥳🥳🥳 As part of the celebration we're sharing adoption stories all month long. Enjoy!

Woody's Adoption Story, from Andrea
"My husband and I grew up on farms, but never had pets of our own in adulthood. My youngest daughter really wanted a dog and we decided it was time. I grew up with a black lab, so they always catch my eye. I saw Woody's picture at the beginning of my search, but I was hesitant because he had been at the humane society for over a year. After other adoptable doggies turned out to not be "the one," I decided it was time to go meet Woody. He was very energetic, but so cute! We snatched him up on the first day of the December adoption drive in 2023. After a little bit of professional training, we think he is the perfect dog!"

03/30/2025

Woodford Humane turned 50 on March 25th! 🥳🥳🥳 As part of the celebration we're sharing adoption stories all month long. Enjoy!

Tilly's Adoption Story, from Marti:

"Tilly has been an absolute blessing to our family. We had been without a loved pet dog for about three years. Our Irish Setter passed at age 15 late 2021 and my heart was yearning for this sweet companionship again.

I happened to call Woodford Humane Society about their adoption process in August of last year. They gave me great instructions! I’ll admit my hope was for another Irish Setter, but my son had been asking us to look at golden retrievers. To my great surprise when I got on the website, one of the first listings I saw was for a golden retriever. There was no picture of Tilly, only her description. I thought to myself I really want to go visit Tilly!!

That week I had planned a trip to Versailles with my mother-in-law and I had not yet scheduled an appointment to see Tilly because I wanted to talk to my husband first. When my mother-in-law and I finished what we needed to do there in Versailles, I asked her, “Do you mind if we go visit Tilly?” She told me sure! Let’s go!

When I called, I was invited over to visit. When my mother-in-law and I saw Tilly, she exclaimed, “That’s your dog!” I came home to tell my husband and he asked me why in the world I didn’t bring her home. LOL … “husbands need to be respected,” I said!

We made a trip to get her August 10 and she’s been our loving Tilly ever since! Come on let’s go for a walk can be heard every single morning and every single evening! She loves everybody and has made our lives full of joy, and exercise I might add! We needed her and she needed us.

She loves her big backyard and has a best buddy across the street to play with! Our backyard looks like it’s filled with children’s toys, but that’s OK. She loves them and we love her!"

03/29/2025

Woodford Humane turned 50 on March 25th! 🥳🥳🥳 As part of the celebration we're sharing adoption stories all month long. Enjoy!

Howl and Rayne's Adoption Story, from Karen and Don:
"Howl is 2 years old and very smart and loves routine. He sleeps in in the morning but then has energy all day! He loves to play with balls, rocks and other dogs. Howl is very cuddly at bed time and understands when we give him orders (sit, no, come, etc).

We love him dearly and we believe the feeling is returned. Thank you Woodford Humane for our newest family member."

From Woodford Humane:
Karen and Don added an even newer newest member to their family since we asked for a Howl update! Rayne loves playing with her big brother and her new humans!

03/29/2025

Woodford Humane turned 50 on March 25th! 🥳🥳🥳 As part of the celebration we're sharing adoption stories all month long. Enjoy!

Sonny and Harvey's Adoption Story, from Stephanie:
"We are so thankful to Woodford Humane Society for bringing these two boys into our lives. Sonny, previously known as Noah, is quite literally my youngest son’s best friend. We brought him home four years ago as a puppy and he has remained the sweetest dog with the perfect blend of ‘pup’ and ‘old man’ energy. Our newest addition, Harvey, previously known as Norman, has been with us for nearly 2 months now. He’s five years old and is truly the most gentle of giants. Spunky at times but otherwise content to be attached at my hip, he ‘fills’ the house in size and heart. Their sister, 15 yo Mary Jane, tolerates them as much as any older sister would her two younger pesky brothers. "

03/28/2025

Woodford Humane turned 50 on March 25th! 🥳🥳🥳 As part of the celebration we're sharing adoption stories all month long. Enjoy!

Ivy's Adoption Story, from Karla:
"Ivy has been a wonderful addition to my life and travels. She is never far from my side. She approaches everyone with a hug and a smooch.

When I got Ivy I didn't know how it would work out. She was bigger than what I wanted but she has shown me she is what I needed. She likes travel and really enjoys meeting new people and dogs. Kids come up to her unafraid. If I am in a campground very long they will come looking for her. Ivy keeps moles and squirrels on their toes! Also, after being afraid of getting in creeks and lakes I can't keep her out of them now."

03/28/2025

ICY(somehow)MI: 50th Birthday Open House! Saturday, 2-4 pm! Eat cupcakes! Meet our pets! Get 50% off all Woodford Humane merchandise! Take home a special 50th Birthday Edition car magnet, we're giving them away until we run out! COME SAY HI!

03/27/2025

Woodford Humane turned 50 on March 25th! 🥳🥳🥳 As part of the celebration we're sharing adoption stories all month long. Enjoy!

Henry & Max's Adoption Story, from Tracy and Greg:
"We adopted two sibling brothers from Woodford Humane Society in December 2015. Their names at the time were Kramer and Kiefer. They are now Henry and Max. We had recently lost our beloved cat to heart issues. These two were just what we needed to help heal our hearts. Adopting two has been amazing. They play, snuggle, and sometimes wrestle. 😊

We moved to Florida in 2021. Moving with cats was easy. They did great on the plane ride and love their new home in Florida… especially the lanai! They also love watching the lizards from the kitchen window. Thank you for providing love and care for our cherished family members."

03/26/2025

Woodford Humane turned 50 on March 25th! 🥳🥳🥳 As part of the celebration we're sharing adoption stories all month long. Enjoy!

Yenzie's Adoption Story, from Jim:
"In August 2021, 4-year-old Yenzie (then called Enzo) joined our family shortly after losing our 12 y.o. GSD on Father's Day. As the pandemic raged, our entire household was ill, except for me - I self-quarantined in a small (yet cozy) closet away from everyone. That Saturday in August, I woke up, still in my sleeping bag, started scrolling - and P**F - the Woodford Humane Society had a post for this giant, handsome dog with the most amazing face.

Like any dog lover with a broken heart would do, I hopped up and announced to whomever was within earshot: "I'll see you later" - not telling anyone where I was headed.

When we met at WHS, Enzo gave me a huge hug with that infectious smile. After a little paperwork, goodbye hugs from the staff, we were on our way home. Enzo became Yenzie.

Our routine was immediately set in stone when I showed him 'his' spot on the sofa; the same spot he continues to enjoy, nearly 4 years later. Our other 3 dogs and 4 cats immediately welcomed him, pecking order quickly established as canines do; with the cats observing and duh...judging us. At over 100 lbs, we know who 'thought' he was top dog, but Daisy, our tiny 11 y.o. blue heeler-beagle mix quickly corrected that misnomer. They all live in harmony - the cats in control - the dogs thinking they're in control but secretly knowing that the cats rule the house.

To sum up, so many times when a dearly beloved pet passes, we say 'never again.' But, next thing you know, we run out and get another rescue - and ask for forgiveness rather than permission - once we come home with a new furry friend in tow. We all know how these animals steal our hearts when we find each other; then break it when they leave us. We try to memorialize the many great years of unassuming, non-judging, and unconditional love they give and never forget that 4 pm reminder that says, "Hey hooman, we haven't been fed in like 10 minutes"...all the while knowing the cats are judging because - well, they're cats."

03/26/2025

Meet our small-but-mighty team of hard-working animal lovers that keep WHS running whether it's 50th Birthday Week or just a regular Wednesday! Some of us are brand new, some of us have been here for over 20 years, all of us bust our butts for the animals and mission that we love 🩷

THE EXECUTIVE TEAM (behind the scenes crew):
Katie (Executive Director) wears about a dozen hats, including budget and book keeping, donor management, volunteer management, fundraising, event planning, and filling in wherever she's needed in the Adoption Center

Beth (Marketing Director) organizes media outings and partnerships, handles email and newsletter outreach, manages social media (hi!!), designs merchandise, helps with event planning, and also fills in in the Adoption Center

Missie (Development Coordinator) assists with donor relations and events

THE ADOPTIONS TEAM (the public-wranglers):
Jenny (Adoption Center Manager) handles hiring and team management, cleaning and wellness procedures, training volunteers, adoptions, intake, scheduling and transportation for veterinary care, medications, ordering, office management, and more

Rae (Adoptions Counselor) tackles adoptions, intake, scheduling and transportation for veterinary care, medications, supporting volunteers, pet bios and photos, ordering, office management, and more

THE ANIMAL CARE TEAM (the puppy-wranglers):
Gabby, Kingston, Malia, Sadie, and Madison (Animal Care Providers) put in the elbow grease to keep the animals cleaned, fed, exercised, and happy! Their daily duties include cleaning cat condos and rooms, scrubbing kennels, distributing food, setting up and breaking down living spaces, supporting volunteers, bringing dogs outside for yard exercise, potty breaks, and walks, and so much more

03/25/2025

Woodford Humane turns 50 today! 🥳🥳🥳 Enjoy this adoption story!

Emerald's Adoption Story, from Mary Ann:

"This little puppy was running loose near Equus Run Winery. She had obviously been hit because of the mangled leg in front. A Good Samaritan picked her up and brought her to the vet clinic. Due to the extensive injury, Woodford Humane decided along with the veterinarian that removal of the leg was the most humane plan. Being a young dog she should recover nicely and adapt.

This puppy, in pain, was still so very sweet and loving. I worked at the clinic and was at an evening meeting at the hospital that night. One of the other employees had her in their lap during the meeting. This young dog lapped it up, bandaged but still wanting all to touch her and she them. It was amazing.

My brain had already started to take some sort of foster protection of this little one. I talked to the humane society and we did the foster paper work. When I finally brought her home to foster her, my husband met me at the door wanting to meet my new dog. I fussed at him, saying she was merely a foster. Honestly. Men. He claimed he could tell, no such thing I protested, he was imagining whatever he perceived.

As she learned to walk on three legs she still wanted to meet EVERYONE. I called it her hobby of collecting new friends. The biggest lesson was learning how to put her brakes on. As she ran to say hello to someone, she couldn’t judge the stopping distance and often ended up doing somersaults instead. But she was undeterred. People were her thing.

Finally she was ready to be adopted. WHAT!? Maybe my husband was right! No, couldn’t be. But alas, there was no way I was going to be able to say goodbye to this precious GEMSTONE. So she became my EME. I adopted her officially. Over the years people always ask how she lost her leg. I can’t help it, I say that my apartment rules changed and limited dog ownership to 20 lbs or less, so something had to go because she was here to stay. It’s a joke but I love watching as people process that excuse. She is my yardstick, three feet. She found a forever home and I gained another piece of my heart in the form of an emerald."

03/25/2025

On this day in 1975, Ms. Julie Hahn was making history!

50 years ago, all Woodford County had was a dog pound: one room with no heat, no hot water, and no telephone where hunger, disease, and fighting were a constant problem and people literally threw unwanted dogs over an 8' fence onto a concrete slab.

Julie saw the conditions both dogs and dog warden had to live with, and knew they were unacceptable - so she started working for change. On March 25, 1975, the Woodford Humane Society was formed with the goal of enhancing the lives of Woodford County animals by improving their living conditions, and best of all, providing an opportunity for them to get adopted into loving homes.

It was clear to Julie that improving the existing dog pound wouldn't be enough; Woodford County needed a new shelter. She fought against political opposition for years to secure the right location and raise funds - and in 1980, she got to break ground on Woodford County's very first shelter. (I'm typing this in that very building, 45 years later)

From there, we grew! And Julie has been right there with us, every step of the way. In 2003, we separated from the county government, allowing us to make decisions based on what was best for the animals, not the government. In 2005, Julie got to break ground again - this time on our Adoption Center, more than doubling our capacity. It allowed us to do away with time limits on animals' stay and our adoption rate soared to over three times the national average, where it remains to this day.

Julie Hahn is so much more than our founder. She's a visionary, an inspiration, and a born leader, and in the 50 years since she stood up for the homeless animals of Woodford County she has touched thousands of lives.

We can't celebrate our 50th Birthday without celebrating Julie. So you can rest assured, we'll be raising a cupcake to this amazing woman today, all week long, and every chance we get - including at the 50th Birthday Open House this Saturday!

03/24/2025

Woodford Humane turns 50 on March 25th! 🥳🥳🥳 As part of the celebration we're sharing adoption stories all month long. Enjoy!

Seska, Jack, Bruce, and Stanford's Adoption Stories, from Amanda:

"My name is Amanda Cooper. I’m 25 years old, and my family has had cats from Woodford Humane for most of my life.

My dad adopted our first cat, Seska, before I was born. She was in the top row of kennels at Woodford Humane and she batted his hat as he walked by. I like to joke that she picked him out instead of the other way around.

Seska was clever and had a lot of personality. She used her paw to eat like a person. She shuffled her paws on doorknobs to try to open them. She also liked to wrap her tail around drinks on the coffee table as she passed and try to pull them down. (Sometimes she was too smart for her own good.)

Seska and I were fascinated with each other. She would follow me around the house, close enough to keep an eye on me while staying out of reach. She was my little protector. I thought she was the greatest thing in the world. I loved playing with her when I got older, and she's the reason I love cats so much today.

We adopted our next cat when I was eleven. I told the wonderful staff at Woodford Humane that we were looking for a sweet, laidback lap cat, and they found the perfect match. Jack Donaghy (named for his bossy meow) was an absolute sweetheart. He had been at Woodford for about two years when we adopted him. When we first brought him home, he was so big that he couldn’t even jump on the couch. But before long he would climb in our laps and fall asleep before we even noticed he was there.

Jack was like an animal sidekick in a Disney movie. Sometimes the two of us would communicate with looks. To me, he was a best friend. He would follow me around the house, sit with me, and was always happy to play. I think he knew I was his person. Once I was crying after a bad day at school, and Jack tried to comfort me. He kept nuzzling me and purring. That was one of the only times I ever heard him purr. Jack looked a little rough around the edges, but to me he was perfect. He’ll always have a place in my heart.

We adopted our next cat when I was fifteen. I named him Bruce after Bruce Wayne (Batman) because he’s grey and has greenish-yellow eyes. Later I realized I named him a bit too well. Much like his namesake, Bruce likes to disappear in the shadows whenever you turn your back. He won’t hesitate to spring at you from the shadows, either. Bruce is beautiful and very playful. Although he was meant to be my cat, my dad is his favorite person. That’s why Bruce stayed with my parents when I moved, and I adopted another cat last year.

In November I went back to Woodford Humane, once again seeking a sweet, calm kitty. The staff helped me find a sweet senior boy named Juju, who I renamed Stanford. Stanford has little thumbs on his front paws. One of his ears is always folded, and he has a crooked tail. When he meows, he says “ow.” I sometimes call him my fussy old man, but he’s a total sweetheart and I love him so much. He purrs constantly. He likes to watch cartoons. He leans in when I boop his nose. He sits behind me on the couch, and I often use him as a pillow. I can tell that Stanford appreciates his new life with me, and I’m so happy to have him in mine."

If you’re looking to adopt a cat, I cannot recommend the Woodford Humane Society highly enough. They’ve been providing me with furry friends for most of my life. I also encourage you to give senior cats a chance. They make wonderful companions, especially if you’re looking for someone a little more laidback, and they have so much love to give.

03/24/2025

It's officially BIRTHDAY WEEK! In honor of 50 years we're sharing info all week about who we are and what we do and how we do it and how you can help - so to kick things off, we're back to basics:

What's so great about adopting?

Scroll through and we'll give our hot take in the captions.

Address

265 Thomas Lane
Versailles, KY
40383

Opening Hours

Tuesday	12pm - 6pm
Wednesday	12pm - 6pm
Thursday	12pm - 6pm
Friday	12pm - 6pm
Saturday	12pm - 5pm
Sunday	12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+18598735491

Website

http://www.woodfordhumane.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Woodford Humane Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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Videos

Cosmo coming in hot (or cold?) with some real "go entertain yourself" middle child energy. Who doesn't love an independent dog?! Cosmo is 2 years old, border collie/pittie mix, 52 lbs. He doesn't seem to love the company of other dogs, but don't worry...he won't get bored by himself 🤷 Call (859) 873-5491 to meet him!

Just Denver living up to his name and lovinggggg the snow ❄️😍 A full week of the frosty flakes?! YES PLEASE! (Meanwhile the little dogs are trying to figure out whose manager to complain to about this)

These medalsssss! 🤩🤩🤩 And they're HUGE, 4.5" across! We've got one of these bad boys for each of our top 3 male and female finishers in every age group at the Triple Crown Trot 5K! Come run or walk with us at Ashford Stud on Aug 17 - FINAL PRICE BUMP IS MONDAY, so this weekend is the perfect time to sign up! Go to runsignup.com/triplecrowntrot and do the thing!

It's National Rescue Dog Day, treat yo self! 🍪

🤔

To mark Donatello's 4 year anniversary at Woodford Humane, here he is being adorable

Today's the day...Donatello has officially been here for four years, and he's officially our longest resident ever. It's a big milestone and also a kinda sad one, so we're just going to celebrate the man himself. There's a lot to love about this crazy boy! Enjoy this video from a random zoomie session a couple of months back ❤ See our pinned post for Donatello's full story. He's a 5 1/2 year old pit bull waiting very patiently for a home with older kids and no other pets. He loves kids of all ages, but as you can see he's very good at knocking people over while zooming. Call 859.873.5491 with any questions, to schedule an appointment, or just to tell Donnie you love him and hang in there.

The Second Running of the Kenpuppy Derby!

Kenpuppy Derby Morning Workouts: Elmer & Doggie Houser

Who's ready for some morning workouts?! First up are Elmer, sponsored by Lexington Equine Medical Group and purveyor of amazing slow-motion ear bounces, and Doggie Houser, sponsored by Show Place Realty, an adorable agent of chaos (and possibly real estate, but we're pretty sure she's unlicensed)! Stay tuned for more workouts and join us May 6 at Falling Springs Park for the Kenpuppy Derby! Games begin at 10, post time is 11:30, and we'll wrap up by noon - so you'll have plenty of time to get ready for that *other* Derby.

Dust off your fanciest hat because it's BACK! The Waddle for the Roses returns to Falling Springs Park on May 6: watch a field of adoptable racers wander off in random directions, stop to eat the turf, and eventually tumble across the finish line. Pre-order your race tee now! https://www.facebook.com/events/552339086995380/

*shouts over the constant yodeling* IDK

Zane says 👁👄👁 He says it 24/7 Adopt this intense gaze...if you think you can handle it #alwayswatching #constantvigilance #crazyeyes #adoptme #cat #kitten #rescue

Woodford Humane Society

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Videos

To mark Donatello's 4 year anniversary at Woodford Humane, here he is being adorable

Kenpuppy Derby Morning Workouts: Elmer & Doggie Houser

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