We are happy to present to you the brand-new, state-of-the-art ‘Lost Pets of The Hudson Valley’ website! After several months of research and thought, I came to the conclusion that LPOTHV was helping many people, but feared that our operation was a little too one-dimensional in getting information out about missing/found pets and bringing them back home. Just like with any other business/endeavor, you reach a point where you feel like you have maxed-out your current model or mission. Complacency is not something that sits well with me. I am always thinking big picture and imagining ways to make something even better and more successful.
Over the last few years, Facebook Pages has continued to reach less people organically and with so many missing/found pet posts each day, some posts were getting lost in the shuffle and not being seen by as many people that should be seeing them. The original website was a good start, but not very functional. I began to think of ways to make the website the epicenter of this organization. After a serendipitous run-in at Keegan Ales with a friend who knew the right people that could help make this idea happen, I was on my way.
After the first meeting with Sean and Mike of Next Step Digital, I walked away feeling 100% confident that they could help make this vision a reality. The ideas that were bounced around in this meeting were incredible; there were no borders. One great idea led to another and another. Next thing I knew, we had the foundation for the next big thing. It’s like when a bunch of talented musicians get together to jam and end up creating the best album of all-time; that’s how it felt.
The new website offers some excellent features: There is the option to print flyers for each missing/found pet for you to post around your neighborhood as well as sharing on your Facebook and other social media pages. You’ll be able to sign-up for our e-mail updates on missing/found pets, tips/preventative measures, and other important news about LPOTHV. One of my favorite features is Google Maps. So many times a pet will be posted as missing from a road that spans several towns in some cases. This will show you exactly what part of that road in that town a pet went missing from, making it much easier to track down the pet(s) in question. This will not only help us, but will make it easier for the ACO’s and Shelters, too. Ultimately, all of this will lead to more pets being found and reunited with their families. That is what this is all about and I couldn’t be happier that this website will be a huge reason why. This new website would not be possible without the incredible support from all of our sponsors: Dutchess Overhead Doors, Sirius Play Dog Training, Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center, At Home Interiors, Cutting Edge Spray Foam Services, Artcraft Photoworks, Crew Restaurant & Bar, and a VERY special THANK YOU to everyone at Volz Auto Group, and Sean & Mike at Next Step Digital. Last, and certainly not least, I am eternally grateful to my loyal and dedicated staff: Kim Kraska, Carol Baisley, Erin Talarico, Catie Graves, Jeanine Abrams, Lindsay Kennelly. And to all of the past volunteers who dedicated their time to help our cause over the years: Lauren, Stacey, Christine, Sarah, Angela, Casey, and Chelsea. LPOTHV is immensely successful because of their tireless work and compassion for all of the missing pets out there.
In closing, I want to thank everyone who has supported us and have helped complete strangers during their time of need by sharing posts, offering words of encouragement, and being a part of such a caring and compassionate community that comes together to help our furry family members. It is my sincere hope that this will continue with the new website as well as through social media, and even more pets will be found safe and reunited with their respective families.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Bentley
