Save the Lives of Homeless Animals in Oregon

Earlier this year, a Good Samaritan spotted a young German Shepherd in distress at the busy intersection of two busy roads in Eugene and brought him to Greenhill. Thin, scared, and with a badly damaged front leg, the pup, who we named Lukas, needed urgent help.

Our medical team discovered he was very underweight and his right front limb had developed severe degenerative joint disease due to an old injury. After consulting orthopedic specialists, it was clear the best path forward was amputation. Thanks to the skill of Greenhill’s veterinary staff, the surgery was performed right here at the shelter, and Lukas recovered beautifully in our care. 

While healing, Lukas also began to blossom socially. At first, he was wary of strangers. sometimes nervous when new people approached. But with patience, treats, and gentle handling, he quickly learned that people could be trusted. Soon, he was bounding into staff offices, wagging his tail, leaning in for pets, and showing off his playful side. Lukas proved to be affectionate, food-motivated, and sweet, with a knack for snuggling once he felt safe. 

After 52 days in our care, Lukas found his forever family. His adopters renamed him Zeke and sent us this heartwarming update: “We adopted Lukas (now Zeke) and I just wanted to let you know how happy we are with him. He fit right into our home and it feels like he was always here. He’s such a sweetheart. When we adopted him, he had just had surgery to remove one of his legs. Now, he’s healed and physically strong; he runs circles around my other dog. My 16-year-old son feels a strong bond with Zeke. He says we were destined to get him and I completely agree. I wasn’t looking for another dog, but I felt a strong pull to look at Greenhill. When I saw him, I felt an instant connection. It was meant to be.” 

From a frightened stray with a painful past to a beloved family companion, Zeke’s journey reminds us why the work we do matters. His story was made possible thanks to our compassionate staff, skilled veterinary team, and the generous support of donors and friends like you.

So far this year, Greenhill has cared for more than 4,000 animals - providing over 10,000 exams, vaccines, and treatments, along with more than 2,500 surgeries. The need in our community continues to grow, and with your support, we can keep saying “yes” to animals like Zeke. Together, we can ensure that the most vulnerable pets receive the lifesaving care and second chances they deserve.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Links:

• Visit our Website

Dear Friend,

Spring is a time of growth, renewal—and at Greenhill Humane Society, it’s a season of lifesaving. As animals begin arriving in greater numbers, our team is already deep in the work of responding to some of the most urgent and heartbreaking cases we’ve seen this year.

Earlier this year, Greenhill responded to two major crisis intakes—a severe hoarding and abandonment case and a devastating apartment fire—amid a growing trend of higher monthly intakes compared to previous years.

In just a few weeks, we took in dozens of cats from these emergencies. Thirty-one cats were rescued in partnership with Springfield Animal Control from a neglected, vacant home. Underweight, flea-covered, and frightened, they arrived in need of urgent care. At Greenhill, they received medical treatment, nourishment, and the compassion many had never known. 

Just days later, 17 more cats came to us after surviving a second-alarm apartment fire. Suffering from burns, smoke inhalation, and eye injuries, they required oxygen therapy and intensive, around-the-clock care.

Many of these cats have been adopted into loving homes—including gentle Loki, who is finally getting the life he deserves.

And while cats dominated the headlines this winter, dogs like Marley have also found their second chances. Marley arrived during the ice storm, found in the woods, his body matted with more than a pound of painful, filthy fur. Our team acted quickly to remove the mats and restore his comfort—and almost instantly, Marley’s spark returned. He turned into a wiggly, smiling dog ready to meet his perfect match. 

As the weather warms and kitten season ramps up, we know the need will only grow. But with your support, so will the number of lives we can save. Every donation helps provide emergency medical care, food, shelter, and second chances to animals who deserve so much more.

Thank you for being part of this life-changing work.

With gratitude,
Cary Lieberman
Executive Director
Greenhill Humane Society

Links:

• 31 cats rescued from hoarding situation in Springfield
• Greenhill Humane Society Cares For 17 Cats From Apartment Fire