Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary Office Manager, Shannon Woessner, left, and CEO and President Nancy Benevento will host the local observance of Remember Me Thursday next week.

BY SHERI TRUSTY

Thousands of people around the world will simultaneously light candles on Thursday, Sept. 28 to honor the millions of pets who lost their lives without the comfort of a home. Remember Me Thursday is a global awareness movement that also highlights the many pets awaiting adoption.

Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary (ISHAS) at 3620 E. State Rd. in Port Clinton will host its in-person and virtual candle lighting ceremony at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Remember Me Thursday will offer refreshments and activities. ISHAS Office Manager Shannon Woessner will join thousands of people around the world as she lights the first candle in memory of the dogs who died this year, including those at ISHAS.

“We lost four here this year,” Woessner said. “They could have had a home, if someone would have adopted them and given them a chance.”

ISHAS is a sanctuary, which is distinctive from a pound or Humane Society. It serves sick, elderly and disabled dogs.

“Our role is to take in infirm dogs that were going to be euthanized. We want them to have quality of life,” said ISHAS CEO and President Nancy Benevento.

Once the dogs arrive, they are provided with medical care and, if possible, placed in loving adoptive or foster homes. ISHAS accepts between 100 and 150 dogs annually.

“A lot of people don’t realize we’re here,” Woessner said. “Remember Me Thursday gives people the opportunity to see what we do and gives them an idea of the success we’ve had. It opens minds to more adoptions.”

The event will include raffles and the opportunity to purchase the 19-month ISHAS calendar featuring the art and photos of ISHAS dogs. Calendars are $40 at the event and $50 online.

“We help dogs who don’t otherwise have a chance,” Woessner said.

For more information, visit www.islandsafeharbor.org or the Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, Inc. Facebook Page.