Humane Society encourages adoption of shelter animals
This mixed Lab puppy has seven litter mates waiting for some loving families to come and adopt them at the Greene County Humane Society. (Photo by Jon Stevens)
Marie, a wide-eyed cinnamon Tabby kitten, is full of energy and just waiting to be adopted at the Greene County Humane Society. (Photo by Jon Stevens)
Shelby, in a regal pose at the Greene County Humane Society, would prefer a home over a cage. (Photo by Jon Stevens)
Dogs and cats love Christmas, too, and what better gift for these furry friends than to be given a safe and loving home?
The Greene County Humane Society welcomes responsible families to visit its facility on Jefferson Road from noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday or Saturday to consider a pet adoption.
“Our adoption rates increase each year and that’s rather remarkable for a rural shelter,” said Jane Gapen, director. “This year has been especially rewarding and we have empty cages now on both the dog and cat sides.”
But that doesn’t mean there are not kittens and cats and puppies and dogs presently at the shelter that are longing to leave their cages and become a new member of a family.
All one has to do is be touched by a kitten’s paw reaching out through a cage, or walk by a dog whose sad eyes immediately brighten while its tail wags to the rhythm of music only it hears.
“It still breaks my heart when someone comes in and says, ‘I can’t afford to care for my pet anymore. Can you please take it?'” Gapen said. “And we do.”
Gapen is grateful for the generosity of donors and volunteers whose contributions keep the shelter up and running.
“This year, we received $25,000 from the county, and I don’t know where we would be without the support from the commissioners,” she said.
“Some of the same people I met when I came here in 1995 are still donating today,” she said. “That speaks to the loyalty of the people of Greene County, as well as to the respect this humane society has earned.”
In addition to monetary support, the county shelter always needs food (bags of dry and canned for both dogs and cats), cat toys and litter.
Eva Salimbene, a retired legal administrator, was named volunteer of the year at the Greene County Humane Society. She joined Animal Friends in Pittsburgh as a dog walker before moving through the organization as a dog handler and eventually a member of its dog behavior team.
It was while transporting dogs from shelters to Animal Friends that she met Gapen.
“Over the years, I have grown to love and admire everyone at the Greene County Humane Society for their dedication, care, humility and ability to overcome obstacles and truly be a shining light for the homeless animals in the area,” she said. “I am very proud to say, with the collaboration we have developed, this humane society has achieved a canine no-kill status, of which I am very proud and humbled.”
Although the shelter’s adoption rate was slightly better than 90 percent this year, Gapen said in 2016 she plans to “continue to succeed as we have done in the past.”
She said those who adopt animals are special people with giving hearts.
“Many adoptive families share photos and remain our friends,” she said. “Their stories and their continued friendship remind us that our work is vital in many ways, not the least of which is bringing happiness.”