Metairie Humane Shelter

Dogs make incredible differences in our lives, community and society. They protect us, help the police and fire departments solve crimes, find missing people, sniff out illegal substances, entertain us, increase our life expectancy, but most of all show us undying loyalty and love. Having a dog is like having pure joy by your side. So wouldn’t you want to give them the best life possible? And not just your pet, but all dogs, especially the ones abused, abandoned, homeless or sick?

That is what the Metairie Humane Shelter does; in fact it is their main purpose. Metairie Humane’s mission is “connecting humans with pet companions destined to be a lifetime love affair” and to care for companion dogs regardless of breed, age, gender, or medical status. Their goal is to place homeless or abandoned dogs in permanent loving homes while providing a safe and caring environment for pets awaiting placement due to high kill rates at local pounds and shelters.

I was able to speak with the amazing Jami Hirstius, who has dedicated her life to this organization for the last 13 years. She is also the owner of Pampered Pets Bed & Breakfast which houses Metairie Humane Shelter. Pampered Pets began operation in 1993 with Joan and Harold Delahoussaye. On Jan. 1, 2019, they retired from the business and Jami Hirstius took over. She is also the Vice President of Metairie Humane Shelter. You can find her taking care of her babies seven days a week. She got involved with the cause many years ago, when her then-husband was invited to a meeting about a fundraiser being put on by the Delahoussayes, who are also horse trainers at both the New Orleans Fairgrounds and Jefferson Downs. After that meeting, she was hooked and started volunteering, first with fundraisers then getting more fully involved in the day-to-day operations.

The organization was founded by a group of concerned long-term Metairie residents who wanted to do something to improve the lives of all dogs. Metairie Humane uses all donations and funds raised at events to fund veterinary care, upkeep of pets awaiting adoption, long term care of unadopted pets and other related expenses. It is also important to stress that Metairie Humane does not have any paid staff members. The organization based entirely on volunteers. After seeing a constant stream of news headlines of the continual failure of local shelters to provide adoptable pets a chance at finding a new forever family, these individuals saw a need to be met.

Today, Metairie Humane tries to provide as many homeless pets as possible with a safe and loving environment as they await a family and home of their own. They provide educational services encouraging responsible pet ownership and making known the many benefits of spaying or neutering your pets. But they need help to continue assisting these animals. The Shelter makes sure all their animals are ready for adoption and that includes taking care of their health. They use Ark Animal Hospital and no pet is adopted unless it is on the road to recovery. They do not adopt heartworm positive dogs. They make sure they have had their treatment and are completely well before moving them to their forever home.

Jami says that her volunteers and supporters are the best in the “Dogdom.” Their reach is bigger than a village; it is a kingdom. There are some new things on the horizon coming for Metairie Humane. Jami is arranging gatherings for people to come and meet with a “furapist.” Volunteers can come and exercise the dogs in the expansive back play area and then hang out with them in their suites. The dogs at Metairie Humane do not stay in cages; they are placed in 4-by-8-foot suites until they find their forever home.

Metairie Humane Shelter also has some upcoming fundraisers throughout the year. Starting in April, the Lucky Dog Gala will happen on Saturday, May 20 at the Pearl Room in Harahan. On Saturday, Oct. 28 is the Howl-O-Weenie Pet Fest.

These animals are Jami and the volunteers and supporters’ babies. The work Metairie Humane Shelter does is important for the most precious creatures. There are many ways to help, such as through donations of money and supplies, as well as signing up for volunteer opportunities. For more information, go to metairiehumane.org.