The Marin Humane Society celebrates 100 years of caring for animals

There are probably a million touching stories someone could tell about the hundred-year-old Marin Humane Society (MHS).

One story in particular lacks the fuzzy cuteness of a puppy and yet it speaks volumes of the organization and of Bay Area residents.

This is a story of 1,200 hens who were headed to the slaughterhouse until the MHS, along with Vacaville animal sanctuary Animal Place, intervened and rescued the birds from a Gilroy-based egg producer. “These animals were feces laden and ugly,” said the MHS's animal services director Cpt. Cindy Machado.

Seven hundred hens passed through the organization's doors and were adopted. “It was an impossible thing to think of at the time. We got all of those hens a new lease on life,” she added.

One adopter came from Butte and asked to adopt five hens that nobody wanted. “I guess people love the rejects. It really brought out the goodness of the community. The hens are still doing good and laying eggs,” Machado said.

Looking back on the past hundred years of the MHS, one can imagine there are similar stories of community compassion and heroism, especially with recent events such as Hurricane Katrina and the Pet Partnership program, a partnership with other animal shelters that helps to reduce shelter overcrowding.

Currently the MHS is planning to prepare itself for its next 100 years by expanding its Ignacio site - its home since 1968. system. She estimated renovations could take two-to-four years.

“So many of the shelters in the Bay Area have been rebuilt in the last 10 years and we're looking a little dated,” added Sheri Cardo, spokesperson for the organization.

With its upcoming makeover, Allevato decided it might be nice to give someone else a shot at heading up all the changes. Allevato announ-ced this month she would end her 26-year term as the shelter's executive director.

“It's a great time for the society. It's healthy, vibrant. It's time for new leadership, for some fresh energy. I get to enjoy the party and pretend like it's all for me,” joked Allevato. She will retire in June, the month of the June 3 birthday bash.

And the shelter truly knows how to party. It plans to celebrate its birthday throughout 2007. The first event to kick-off the year-long birthday celebration is Puppy Love, a fashion show benefit set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9. The event is hosted by Stage Dor Dance Studio (10 Liberty Ship Way, Ste. 340, Sausalito).

Additionally, the organization produced a photographic retrospective of the society's past 100-years titled “Making Tracks: The Marin Humane Society Celebrates 100 Years. The book is available for purchase at the the Humane Society's store Animal Outfitters located on site.