Published: November 06, 2009 09:24 am      

Stanly County Humane Society seeks funding

Thursday, November 5, 2009 — What do you do with 74 small dogs? Call Stanly County Humane Society (SCHS). At least that is what Animal Control officers did a few weeks ago when a local breeder decided to downsize.

The major responsibility of Animal Control is public safety. The adoption of animals is a priority but must take second place to keeping the public safe from disease and injury related to animals.

Founded in 2006 by Sharon Gadd and Elaine Richards, SCHS has been committed to helping Stanly County Animal Control place adoptable animals.

“Our original goal was to be a partner to Animal Control and work with them to reduce the rate of euthanasia in this county,” said Richards.

“And as such, SCHS has worked hard to take as many animals as possible from the shelter before they are put down.”

Still, 74 at one time is a lot of dogs and a lot of work.

“We could not do it alone,” Gadd said.

“We are fortunate to be part of a large group of dedicated rescuers and animal caretakers who provide help when we need it.”

In fact help can from Anson, Cabarrus, Lincoln and other surrounding counties.

Veterinarians, vet techs, groomers and hard-working volunteers came and stayed until all 74 had been bathed, groomed, vaccinated, and readied for new homes. They worked outside in the rain, covered with mud and who-knows-what else, weary to the bone, but determined to get the dogs clean, healthy and in warm beds.

Like all work with animals it was hard but greatly rewarding.

The group was at a distinct disadvantage by not having a building in which to work. Normally a group like this would be set up in a space large enough to create a type of assembly line. The dogs have to be photographed, a chart started for them and a number assigned. Then they get bathed, groomed, checked over by a vet or vet tech, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped and placed in a clean kennel. This group, lacking a building, did what it took to get the job done. Gadd is currently working to get a space donated to SCHS for such purposes.

“Right now what we need most is money,” volunteer Kris Stiller said.

“We are purchasing a van to transport dogs to be spayed and neutered and even if we get space donated, there will be repairs and utilities and other expenses to be covered.”

A special relief fund has been set up for this project and donations can be mailed to SCHS, PO Box 1632, Albemarle, NC 28002.

“We cover vet and medication costs with adoption fees,” added Barbara Massey, “but there is no way we can pay for the van and the building without help from the county and the public. Since all our energy and efforts are focused on saving and caring for animals, we don’t have many fundraisers and we don’t have a savings account so donations are so very important to us. Other than money our greatest need is foster homes. We still have 25 little guys waiting to go to foster or adoptive homes.”

Other needs include old linens, blankets, sheets, towels, small and medium collars, leashes, vet medicines, wire crates, chain link kennels and food.

SCHS is prepared to store anything not needed now in order to be prepared for future needs.

Donations can be dropped off at the new cat facility of Stanly County Humane Society at 650 NC 24-27 Bypass East near Arby’s on Saturdays.

And what are the future plans of SCHS?

Sharon Gadd still has a dream.

“We still hope to one day have an inviting adoption center where the people of Stanly County can come to find their new pet.”