Talbot Humane is celebrating Executive Director Patty Crankshaw-Quimby’s 15th anniversary leading the organization, marking a period of growth that has transformed the nonprofit from a traditional animal shelter into a nationally recognized community resource for animals and the people who care for them.

To celebrate the milestone, Talbot Humane is inviting supporters to double their impact through Sept. 30. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, gifts to the organization’s general fund will be matched dollar for dollar, helping twice as many animals receive care, shelter, and a second chance.

Crankshaw-Quimby joined Talbot Humane in 1999 as an animal caretaker and has served in nearly every operational role within the organization, including animal control officer, humane officer, shelter coordinator, and interim executive director before becoming executive director in 2011.

During her tenure, Talbot Humane has expanded far beyond traditional shelter operations to include pet retention services, foster care, pet food assistance, low-cost spay and neuter initiatives, community outreach, and other programs designed to keep pets and families together whenever possible.

“Patty’s leadership has helped transform not only Talbot Humane, but also the way our community thinks about animal welfare,” said Bridget Horner, president of Talbot Humane’s Board of Directors. “Her vision, compassion and commitment to excellence have strengthened our organization, expanded our impact and improved countless lives across the Mid-Shore.”

Since 2011, Talbot Humane’s annual operating budget has grown from approximately $600,000 to more than $1.5 million, supporting expanded programs, professional staff, and stronger partnerships throughout the Mid-Shore.

Volunteer participation has increased from approximately 15 volunteers to more than 100 active volunteers, while the organization’s foster network now provides temporary care for about 500 animals each year. Talbot Humane also maintains a live release rate of approximately 93 percent.

“The number of animals coming in continues to go down, but the number of people and animals we serve in the community keeps increasing,” Crankshaw-Quimby said. “We’re dedicated to keeping as many pets as possible with their people at home.”

Beyond Talbot Humane, Crankshaw-Quimby has become a respected leader in Maryland’s animal welfare community. She serves as vice president of the Maryland Board of Veterinary Examiners, is a member of Maryland’s Spay and Neuter Advisory Board, and has served as president of Professional Animal Workers of Maryland since 2015. She is also a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator, a credential held by fewer than 400 professionals nationwide.

Crankshaw-Quimby said Talbot Humane’s accomplishments reflect the commitment of staff, volunteers, adopters, donors, and community partners who have embraced the organization’s mission.

“If you want to be the standard of excellence in animal welfare, you have to build a team that is the standard of excellence in animal welfare,” she said.

Founded in 1932, Talbot Humane serves Maryland’s Mid-Shore through animal sheltering, pet adoption, humane law enforcement, community outreach, foster care, pet retention services, and programs that strengthen the human-animal bond.

Learn more about the anniversary campaign and make a gift at bit.ly/patty15years.