Shelters And Rescues Within A 50 Mile Radius Of Huntington, WV.

source: http://www.save-a-pet-com/

I found a great website that is called Save A Pet. It is a link to shelters across the U.S. There are 28 shelters and rescue organizations within reasonable driving distance from Huntington, WV. Here is the list. This is a two part post, so look for the second part in the next couple of days.


1. Orphan Network - 21515 St. Rt. 243 - Proctorville OH 45669. email: stirling72@zoominternet.net 1mile.


2. Furry Animal Rescue - Proctorville OH 45669 - Ph: 304-416-3202. email:
yorkie_lover2006@yahoo.com 1 mile.

3. Help For Animals - POB 250 - Barboursville WV 25504 - Ph: 304-736-8555. email:
hfatracs@aol.com 5 miles.


4. Huntington-Cabell-Wayne Shelter - 1901 James River Rd. - Huntington WV 25704.
Ph: 304-696-5551 - 9 miles.


5. Holly's Animal Haven - Scottown OH 45678 - Ph: 740-886-9306. email:
tonpowe@aol.com 13 miles


6. Canterbury Tails Animal Rescue - POB 375 - Culloden WV 25510. Ph: 304 562-0807. email: neworleanspearl@aol.com 16 miles.

7. Lawrence Cty. Humane Society (OH) - POB 412 - Ironton OH 45638 - Ph: 740 533-9050. email: sassymom12@webtv.net 17 miles.

8. So. Star MinPin Rescue - WV - Hurricane WV 25526 - Contact - Dawn Russo - email:
dawn@ssmpr.org or their website - http://www.ssmpr.org/ 20 miles.

9. Putnam Cty. Humane Society - Box 461 - Scott Depot WV 25560 - Ph: 304 562-5899 - email: betycal@charter.net 25 miles.

10. WV Saint Bernard Rescue - Fort Gay, WV 25514 - Contact - Jo Ann Betler - Ph: 304 272-6270 - email: betler@frontiernet.net or on this address - http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/WV101.html 25 miles.

11. B.A.R.K. - Bluegrass Animal Rescue of KY - 1415 Hwy. 1395 - Louisa KY 41132 - Ph: 606 686-9520 - email: joenik@foothills.net 26 miles.

12. Lawrence Cty. Humane Society (KY) - Isaac Rd., Rt. 3395 - Louisa KY 41230 - Ph: 606 673-4509 - email: potterperry41230@yahoo.com 26 miles.

Animal Welfare Problems In WV.

Source: author Susan Hunter.

http://www.polsci.wvu.edu/ipa/par/report_12_4.html

Documentation of the extent of the animal welfare problems in West Virginia is difficult to obtain because many counties do not keep records of the number of animals picked up or what is done with them.' Although every county is required to have a Humane Officer, that person is designated by the county sheriff, and may have neither the training nor adequate facilities for that position. Two counties do not have a Humane Officer, so animals run loose until someone picks them up or kills them. At least 19 counties have no facility at all, so they routinely euthanize almost every animal picked up by their animal control officer (sometimes by shooting); one county uses an abandoned chicken coop to house up to four animals at a time; and most have only limited facilities.

Go to the above website and read it all. Very, very interesting stuff.

Facts About West Virginia Pet Overpopulation.

Kallee found me when someone threw her out in our hollow in 1994 and lived with me until she passed in 2005. She was one of the lucky ones. Many shelter dogs die within 5-7 days of arriving at most shelters due to overcrowding and lack of funding. And, these are the healthy ones. The amount of sick or vicious dogs is tremendous, and these dogs are put down immediately.

source: www.fohowv.com

Please note these statistics were gathered in 1998. Today, stronger shelter spay neuter programs have reduced the euthanasia rate at WV shelters combined with the heightened number of rescues of dogs going out of state. FOHO is in working with HSUS to gather current state statistics which will be posted soon. WV Shelters take in 102,000 dogs and cats, euthanizing 75% of them (3 out of 4 die).

Shelters that do not require adopted animals to be spayed or neutered are themselves contributing to the overpopulation problem by allowing uncontrolled breeding to continue. Every day in the United States, 10,000 babies are born compared to over 70,000 puppies and kittens. West Virginia had over 150,000 puppies and cats born last year (2007)

1. The average cost to pick up, house, feed and euthanize an animal is $50, costing West Virginians $3 million dollars yearly.
2. Mandatory spay/neuter of adopted animals reduces the number of animals taken into a shelter. At the Kanawha Charleston Animal Shelter, for example the number of animals taken in decreased from 16,000 in 1988 to 8,000 last year, after mandatory spay/neuter was implemented.
3. An individual pays from $3 to $30 to adopt an animal from a shelter. In addition, when spay/neuter is required, they must pay an additional $20 to $35. Under the proposed legislation, the cost of spay/neuter will be borne by the adopting owner and not by the shelter.
4. Of the animals put to death in West Virginia, 87% are placed in landfills, with the remaining 13% incinerated or sent to rendering companies.
5. In West Virginia, 31 counties have shelters or pounds.
6. 21 states (including Va., Kent., and D.C.) have passed mandatory spay/neuter laws

The Ultimate Betrayal.

Being unwanted is bad enough, but to be euthanized and then just thrown into a shallow, mass grave, behind the pound where you were brought to hopefully, find a new and loving home, is the ultimate betrayal.

80 miles SE of Columbus, in a town called McConnelsville, OH, this happened. Animal rights activists brought it to light on Sunday, the 31st. of March. A mass grave with the unknown total of dead animals was uncovered. The dog warden, of 21 yrs., has 30 days to dispose of the animals properly. At least he is on unpaid leave. The EPA cited Morgan County, which is the county that the pound is located in.

This is another case of abuse at a shelter. I thought I had heard it all, but each day, something new hits me like a baseball bat.

Another Shelter Abuse Case - The Public Didn't Know About!

Chance thinks if the news media would get more involved in animal abuse cases, it might slow the tide.

Almost 2 yrs. ago, a Berkeley County woman was charged with keeping 149 dogs in inhumane conditions. Mari Spade, a 61 year old woman (at the time) that started a rescue called, ironically, "Second Chance", that actually arranged adoptions for hundreds of dogs at several Loudoun County pet stores and a local veterinary clinic, has been charged with animal cruelty.

This is another case of someone opening a shelter and not being able to handle it. Who suffers, the animals, of course. Her lawyer had the audacity to say, "There is no abuse. She may have been a little over-whelmed, but she is not a cruel person by definition." But, anyone that would defend someone like this woman, is desperate for a case. The evidence was abundant.

She has been ordered to pay restitution of about $115,000.00. This amount came from the total cost it took to take care of the dogs rescued from the hell they were living in. She pleaded no-contest in Dec. '07 to one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. The charge is too lenient. I feel she should at least have done 6mo. to 2 yrs. in jail and paid the county back.

Foreclosure Pet Fund.

To help keep families and pets together through foreclosures and financial crisis, The Humane Society of the United States has created a grant program to address the hardships visited on the voiceless victims of the current economic downturn. Animals have been left behind in foreclosed homes, and shelters are reporting that families are struggling to keep and feed pets. The nation’s largest animal protection organization, The HSUS is offering grants to animal shelters, non-sheltered rescue/adoption groups and animal care and control agencies to help establish, expand, or publicize services or programs that assist families in caring for their pets during the current economic crisis.

How You Can Help:
Make a donation to the Foreclosure Pets Fund. Contact your local animal shelter or rescue group to learn about the needs in your community. You may be able to help them organize pet food donations or pet supply drives—even coin collections and penny drives all add up to helping pets and families.

Shelters and Rescues:
Grants range from $500 to $2,000 per organization. Collaboration is encouraged and preference will be given to organizations that have a cooperative agreement with other agencies in their community such as a food bank or other community service agency.


Examples of the types of programs that would be eligible for funding from The HSUS fund include organizations that are: partnering with local food banks to donate and distribute pet food and supplies working with veterinarians to develop service vouchers to be distributed to people who need assistance with vaccinations, spay and neuter surgeries, or other veterinary care. Creating a special fund to provide needed financial support to the pets of families affected by the economic downturn to help cover the costs of food, supplies, spay and neuter surgeries, veterinary care, and other expenses for pets of families in need.

To be considered eligible for the grant, an organization must:
Be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or a municipal animal control agency eligible to receive restricted funds. Submit an online application that defines the need within the community for the program being proposed and describes how the organization plans to meet those needs.

Moving On: Remember Your Pets When Relocating

Chance says "Remember your pets if you have to move. They want to go, too."

The HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) urges all pet owners faced with foreclosure to take their pets with them when they relocate. It's a tragic occurrence that's happening every day in America—families are being forced out of their homes when banks foreclose on their mortgages. But just because a family loses its home doesn't mean that the family pet must lose both his home and his family.


With a foreclosure crisis sweeping the nation, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is disturbed by reports that some residents forced out of their homes are simply leaving their pets behind. The HSUS urges all pet owners faced with foreclosure to take their pets with them when they relocate. Remember, abandoning your pet(s) is both irresponsible and illegal!

Pet owners may feel financially unable to care for their pets or are overwhelmed by a sudden move, but there are many alternatives to leaving pets behind. Abandoned pets face a grim future. Many pets trapped inside abandoned homes aren't found until they're on the brink of starvation. Those lucky enough to reach a shelter have about a 50 percent chance of being adopted. No one likes to think of leaving their pet at a shelter, but if you can't take him/her with you, it is by far more humane than leaving them in an apartment or a house alone.

Too many animals die alone this way every year. If people are absolutely unable to care for their pet any longer, they should take him or her to their local animal shelter or animal control agency. The shelter can provide food and housing while they try and locate a new home. Plan Ahead! These outcomes can be avoided by planning ahead as much as possible and finding pet-friendly housing.

The following steps can help in the search for pet-friendly rental housing: Give yourself enough time. If possible, check ads and contact real estate agents and rental agencies at least six weeks before you plan to move or when you first learn that foreclosure and/or eviction may be in your future. Make use of available resources. Contact the humane society or animal care and control agency serving the area into which you are moving: the agency may be able to provide you with a list of apartment communities that allow pets.

Gather proof that you're responsible. The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. This can include statements from current property managers and neighbors that you maintain your pet responsibly, as well as copies of veterinary records showing ongoing pet care.

Get it in writing. Once you have permission from a landlord, manager or condominium committee to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property and the pets

Another Horrid Case Of Shelter Abuse.

Chance asks, if you can - Please Help!

I am sure that everyone has seen the story about the raid on the animal shelter in Eastern KY. What a nightmare! More than 115 diseased and starving dogs and more than 40 dead dogs were discovered by the Jackson County KY sheriff's department. The abuse ranged from starvation to wounds inflicted on dogs by other dogs. 2 people were charged with 117 counts, each, of animal abuse, and the wife of one, will be allowed to surround on her own, as she was at the hospital with a sick child.

The 75 living dogs were taken to the Gray Hawk Veterinary Clinic on US HWY 421 So., McKee KY 40447. Their phone number is 1-606-287-8475. The clinic will house the dogs until they can be adopted out or placed in rescue organizations or foster homes. They will need dog food and monetary donations. If you can help in any way, please do. I know our shelters here need help, too, but this is an emergency. Thank you.

Updated information:

Send checks or donations to: P.O. Box 387, Gray Hawk, Ky. 40434. Another fund has been set up for paying veterinarian bills and buying dog food. The address: In care of Tim Fee, Jackson County Sheriff, P.O. Box 426, McKee, KY 40447. People can also send food directly to the Jackson County Sheriff's office.

Kanawha-Charleston Animal Shelter Information.

This shelter is one of the top in our area. After talking with their manager, Teresa, I had to post information on this great organization. Here is some important information for anyone that is looking for a great companion, and are not close to the Huntington, WV animal shelter. They stop adopting animals 30 minutes prior to closing each day. For more information on how you can help save these precious lives, please contact the Shelter at (304) 342-1576 their beautiful animals anxiously await your call !

Services:
Lost and Found Information.
Aid to Stray, Injured or Deceased Animals.
Education for schools on animal care.
Adoption.
Volunteer Program.
Enforcement of City ordinances regarding Animal welfare.
Low income Spay/Neuter programs.
Dog Licensing available during regular hours.
There is information on cat confinement measures available at the Shelter. The Director of The Kanawha Charleston Animal Shelter is Ms. Donna Pauley Clark.
Address: Charleston/Kanawha Humane Association 1248 Greenbrier Street Charleston, WV 25311. Telephone # 304-342-1576 Our Hours of Operation: Monday Through Saturday 12:00PM to 6:00 PM Sunday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. If you have a big heart, time to spare and a willingness to open your home to loving and needy animals, then you are just the person they are looking for.

Huntington WV Animal Shelter. Please Help!

Chance says: Please help my friends find a home.
INFORMATION:
WHO WE ARE: HUNTINGTON-CABELL-WAYNE Animal Control Shelter.
Director: Anita Asbury
WHERE: 1901 James River Road Huntington, WV 25704
PHONE: (304) 696-5551
HOURS: 10am- 4:30pm Monday through Friday and 10am- 3:30pm on Saturday
WHAT WE HAVE: ADOPTABLE PETS
DOGS: cost $60
CATS: cost $50
SPAY AND NEUTER INCLUDED AT LOCAL VET CASH ONLY
PLEASE HELP!
If you have questions or your're interested in making a donation to HCW Animal Control, there are a few things the shelter could use. Newspapers, laundry detergent, dry cat/dog food, towels, blankets, toys, sponges, bleach, and cat litter. Monetary donations are also welcome! If you are interested in the availability of a pet, contact the shelter directly at 696-5551. It will save so many animals for so little of your time! Thanks so much!

The Media Should Be More Interested In Animal Abuse Locally.

We have 1 organization in our area that deals with the rescue of abused animals that I am familiar with and that is Little Victories. This organization is great. They are very established and have abundant resources. Sue Brown is over Little Victories in Cabell County. They do fabulous work and their new shelter is so modern and up-to-date. An organization that is no longer operating, German Shepherd Etc., and Timbral Pet Services, which has moved to 100 Keaton Lane, Barboursville, WV, were involved in the rescue of dogs in Lincoln County in WV in January of 2007. This was a horrific case. It was not even shown on the news. Tim Childers, the owner of Timbral Pet Services in Barboursville, WV, a full service boarding, grooming and training facility, took the major part of the dogs and German Shepherd Etc., took the rest. Help for Animals took care of these dogs. They gave help to these poor animals and didn't even ask about payment. Dr. Kelly Pinkston, the vet there, really cares about animals. I have had the pleasure of meeting her on several occasions. The case in Lincoln Cty. has been continued so many times it is ridiculous. The woman, Shawneeta Cooper, tried to say that the dogs that were rescued and the dead ones around her property, were that way when "she" rescued them. Such bunk!! To view this case, go to www.petabuse.com and search on WV abuse cases around that time, or search on her name. I am so disturbed that this was not covered in the news or in the newspapers. More media coverage could possibly help dissuade abusers, plus tougher laws. Make abuse/neglect/abandonment a felony instead of a misdemeanor.

Horse Abuse Information.

I had the most interesting conversation this afternoon with the founder of a horse rescue organization called speak up for horses. The website is: www.speakupforhorses.org. Here is a little snippet of what this great organization does: "We decided in early 2006 to found a 501c3 registered non profit with the primary mission to educate the public on the plight caused by an unknowing public, by inadequate horse welfare laws, and by the woeful enforcement of existing laws at the federal, state, and local levels." "Speak Up For Horses, Inc. supports the rescue of slaughter-bound horses. However, because we do not yet have an equine facility to adequately house rescued horses ourselves, we partner with a variety of established equine organizations to rescue at-risk horses. We assist other equine rescues in matching available horses with adopters who contact us. We also assist CANTER Ohio and local thoroughbred trainers by photographing retiring racehorses at nearby racetracks for posting on CANTER Ohio's website." www.canterusa.org Abuse is abuse, no matter whether it be perpetrated on animal or human. I hope to have more info from this great organization.



Our name says it all: Speak Up For Horses!

Feral Dogs Are The Result Of Neglect.

I took my dog, Chance, for a ride this afternoon up Clutts Hill to Fairview Ridge and rode around to Union Ridge. Driving slowly, enjoying the weather, and periodically glancing at Chance in the rear-view mirror, as he rode with his head out the window, savoring the swarm of new smells, I noticed 5 dogs running together through a pasture. These dogs, running in a pack are called Feral or wild and can pose a very serious problem to farmers with livestock. Plus, by being in the pack mode, there is very little fear due to numbers. This problem is the result of unwanted breeding of dogs that their owners let run loose and do not spay or neuter them. This is called neglect. Neglect in the sense that the owners do not care enough to take care of these dogs. Letting them run loose and fend for themselves and reproduce over and over. If you see a group of dogs running together, do not try to approach them. Call the Animal Shelter and report it. With the lack of funding for our shelter, they probably won't respond because they just don't have the manpower. I am so glad they are now using Petfinder.com to help place their dogs. The head of the shelter, Anita Asbury, seems to be a really great person. Remember, the shelter can use newspapers, blankets, food, toys, food bowls, anything that would benefit a dog or cat. We can't forget the felines. They are just as important as the dogs. No animal deserves to be abused, as no human deserves to be abused.

Things To Consider Before Adopting A Pet.

Do you really, really want a dog? Do you want to wake up early on a cozy Sunday morning, and take him out in the rain? After all, he needs his exercise. Are you ready to spend as much time as you can with him? Are you prepared for the lifestyle impact, the financial impact, and grooming considerations? Are you up for cleaning up various messes? Getting up in the middle of the night with a sick dog? Whether it’s a puppy, adult, or senior dog you’re considering adopting, the newness soon wears off, and then you’re left with a loving companion for, hopefully, many years to come. Did you know that the overwhelming majority of dogs adopted from shelters aren’t puppies. In fact, most are 2-3 years old, and up. I am going to concentrate primarily on adult to older dogs, and their particular needs. Anywhere you go, you’ll find lots of shelter dogs in need of a good home. There are other benefits to adopting from a shelter. With a shelter adoption, you’re saving more than one life — you’re making room for another dog, or allowing another dog to be kept at a shelter for a longer period of time, giving them a better chance of being adopted, too. Another rewarding aspect of shelter adoption is the special bond many owners develop with their rescued dog. Opening up your heart and home to an “orphan” usually results in an extremely strong relationship. That can mean a loyal,affectionate, and attentive dog for life. Why do you want a dog? That is the first question I ask people when they come to me and ask me about adopting from a shelter. In deciding what type of dog you should get, consider what you’re looking for in your future pet. Is he going to be a fun playmate for the children, or is his main job going to be to accompany an older person on quiet walks? Do you want him to go jogging with you, or is he going to be guarding the house? Loving him, and living with him should be rewarding for you and your newly adopted dog. The next question I ask is what kind of dog do you want? You can definitely still consider particular breeds of dogs when you’re thinking of adopting from a shelter. Many shelter dogs are not purebred, but mutts. But the shelter workers can take very educated guesses at their lineage. Let’s say you’ve always wanted a Lab. It’s a good bet you’ll find an adorable Lab-Rottie cross who’ll display the physical and temperamental characteristics of both breeds. Or you might be looking for a “working” dog, but not in the market for a “hound” dog. The biggest trick is to be filled to the brim with knowledge before you hit the shelters — and before you fall in love with a gorgeous sweetie who just isn’t right for you. I also ask if it is the right time of your life to get a dog. For a dog waiting for his “forever” home, it’s always a good time to be adopted. But don’t let him down by bringing him home, and then deciding that it’s simply not the right time for you. Dogs take lots of care and attention — and that means time — especially when they first come home. Is this the right time in your life to take on this huge commitment? Does your lifestyle allow for the flexibility it takes to acclimate your new dog into your life? Are your current commitments overwhelming, or very manageable? Most importantly, are you financially ready to commit to care for a dog? Dogs require a lot of commitment. They need vet checks, grooming, toys, beds, crate, and a good dry food that will fullfill the nutritional requirements for your dog. Table food is a no-no. A little treat from the table really isn't a good idea, but we all do it. Just don't make it a habit. I feed brown rice, BilJac dry kibble, raw green beans, no salt, and grated cheddar cheese. Vegetables are great for a dog...a lot of raw veggies may cause a little gas, too. Just a warning. Do you live in a house or apartment? The city, the suburbs, or somewhere rural? Let me be the first to dispel the myth that you can’t raise a large dog in an apartment. It’s nonsense. It doesn’t really matter how big or small your apartment (or even your house) is — what matters is that you give your new dog the daily exercise he requires to stay healthy and happy. Almost every book on dog breeds will give an indication of exercise requirements. As long as you hit the pavement and the park enough, your big dog will likely be happy lounging around your home. In fact, many small breeds (for example, Jack Russell Terriers) require more activity than large breeds. As long as you take care of his exercise needs, the size of your home really doesn’t matter — whether you’re a city, suburb, or country-dweller. Of course, an off-leash park in a city is always great no matter where you reside. Areas designated for off-leash dogs give your dog the chance to romp around as much as he likes, play with other dogs, and fetch toys like Frisbees, Kongs, and tennis balls. Of course, these parks are only for trained, socialized, friendly dogs. Additionally, dogs don’t need a yard to thrive. In fact, they may soon get bored hanging out in the backyard. Yards smell the same every day and there aren’t any new and stimulating experiences. It’s much more fun and interesting to dogs to go out
for walks (especially if you change your routes), or to dog parks, with you. This way they’ll meet other people and dogs, and be excited by new environments. Consider whether you want a male or female dog. Males tend to be more dominant and self-confident, whereas females may be more affectionate and home-loving. But, of course, these are very broad generalizations; every dog is different. Visit as many shelters as possible to find that right dog. There is a dog out there for everyone that wants to adopt. It just takes time to find him or her. Adoption is different with every shelter. When you find that right dog, you will have to fill out paper-work and answer questions. This is just to ensure that the dog will be going to a good home and not back into a horrible situation that they just came out of. Now, it’s very easy to fall in love at first sight, but you should spend time with a dog before adopting him. Look for a dog who’s happy and friendly, and avoid aggressive dogs. Many shelter dogs are energetic because they’ve been confined. If he seems “full of beans,” it’s no reason to rule him out. If you find one you think is meant for you, you’ll set the “application to adopt” process in motion.
This involves some paperwork, including the most important document: the Adoption Questionnaire. This includes a wide range of questions, such as:
• What are your reasons for adopting?
• How many members live in your household?
• How much time do you spend away from your home daily?

List Of WV Rescue and Humane Organizations, Continued.

Humane Society of Morgan County Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

Humane Society of Parkersburg Parkersburg, WV 26102 Phone: 304-422-5541

Humane Society of Raleigh County Beckley, West Virginia

Humane Society of Ritchie County Harrisville, WV 26362

Huntington-Cabell-Wayne Shelter Huntington , WV Phone: 304-696-5551

Jackson County Animal Shelter Cottageville , WV Phone: 304-372-6064

K9 Furbabies Rescue (Sheltie & Collie) Kearneysville, WV 25430 (outskirts of Martinsburg, WV)

Kanawha Charleston Humane Association Charleston, WV 25311 Phone: 304-342-1576

Karmana Farm Glengary, WV 25421

Katie's Rescue Shelter Camden-on-Gauley, Webster County, WV 26208

Lawrence County Humane Society Ironton , OH

Lawrence County Humane Society Louisa , KY Phone: 606-673-4509

Marion County Humane Society Fairmont, WV 26554

Mason County Humane Society Point Pleasant, WV 25550

Mercer County Humane Society Princeton, WV 24740

Mid-Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue Virginia and West Virginia

Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League, Inc. West Virginia

Mineral County Humane Society Piedmont, WV 26750

Monongalia County Canine Adoption Center

National Humane Education Society Charles Town, Jefferson County, WV 25414-0340

Nicholas County Animal Shelter Summersville , WV Phone: 304-872-7877

North Mountain Small Dog Rescue Martinsburg, WV 25401

One At A Time Gerrardstown, WV 25420

Pike County Animal Shelter Pikeville , KY Phone: 606-432-6293

100 miles South from Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia (click here for directions)

Putnam County Animal Relief Center Winfield , WV Phone: 304-586-0249

Roane County Animal Shelter Spencer, WV 25276 Phone: 304-927-2555

Scioto County Dog Pound Portsmouth , OH Phone: 740-353-8802

South Ohio Animal Rescue Portsmouth, Scioto County, is 45 miles NW from Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia (click here for directions).

Summers County Animal Control and Welfare Project Hinton, WV 25951

Tri State Collie Rescue Barboursville, WV 25504, OH and KY

Tucker County Dog Pound Parsons, WV 26287

Upshur County Dog Pound Buckhannon, West Virginia

Wildwoods Rescue Hedgesville, WV 25427

List Of WV Rescue and Humane Organizations.

Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue Sanctuary Delray, WV 26714

Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV 26507-1244

Appalachian Animal Rescue Friends Delbarton, Mingo County, WV 25670

Appalachian Great Pyrenees Rescue

B.A.R.K. Bluegrass Animal Rescue of Kentucky - Louisa , KY (606) 686-9520; joenik@foothills.net


Bosleys Pom Posse West Virginia and Nationwide

Braxton County Humane Society, Inc Sutton , WV Phone: 304-765-2200

Brooke County Animal Shelter Follansbee WV 26037

Clay County Humane Association Clay , WV Phone: 304-651-2496

Fayette County Animal Control Center Fayetteville , WV 25840 Phone: 304-574-3682

Gallia County Animal Shelter Gallipolis , OH Phone: 740-441-0207

Hampshire County Animal Control Paw Paw, WV 25434 Animal Control

Hampshire County Pet Adoption Program Highview, WV

Hearts From Heaven Ripley , WV Phone: 304-415-3275

Hedgesville Hounds Morgan, Berkley, Jefferson Counties of West Virginia and Maryland

Help For Animals Barboursville, Cabell County, West Virginia

Humane Society of Berkeley County Martinsburg, WV 25401

Humane Society of Hampshire County Augusta, WV 26704 Shelter

Humane Society of Jackson County Ohio, Inc. Jackson , OH Phone: 740-286-6435 Shelter

Humane Society of Lawrence County Ironton, Ohio 20 miles NW from Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia 606-673-4509 (click here for directions)

10 Ways To Help Your Local Shelter.

source: www.aspca.org

You don't have to be an animal expert to help your community's local shelter. You just need to have the time and the desire to lend a helping hand. And it doesn't have to be a lot of time, either. In fact, whatever you do for a living, you're bound to have skills and talents that your local shelter can use.

1. Go to school! Dog school, that is. Grab a handful of tasty treats, find a suitable canine, and get to class. Helping teach shelter dogs to sit, stay, walk calmly on a leash, come, or shake paws will make them infinitely more adoptable.
2. Get your shelter online. Can you give your community's homeless animals the "cybershelter" advantage? This is a wonderful way for teens who aren't yet old enough to become volunteers to get involved. They can take pictures and develop short bios for each dog.
3. Design a computer Program. If you are a techie, consider customizing a management program than can help adopters select the right pet for them.
4. Let's make it legal! Shelters always seem to be in need of volunteers with professional legal skills. And joining the Animal Legal Defense Fund is a good way to help.
5. Work it, baby! Designated a day for coworkers to donate spare change or pool their tips for the benefit of the shelter. Make it an event! Publicize it with flyer's and signs, and remind everyone about the important work that the shelter does.
6. Cats, up close and personal. You may want to satisfy your need for feline contact by spending time socializing shelter cats. They (volunteers) spend time each day playing with the cats, getting to know them, grooming them, and generally keeping them as happy as they can be, given the inherent stress of being in a shelter. And based on input from "feline socializers," adoption counselors can make better placements.
7. Do you have the "write" stuff? Write or start a newsletter! It's a great way to keep members, supporters, adopters, and the public informed about what the shelter does and what it needs. Many shelters rely on volunteers to write articles, and some newsletters are produced entirely by volunteers. Be sure to include heartwarming stories and a donation envelope!
8. Throw a party. Organize an event for all your friends, and donate the proceeds to the shelter. Any kind of social event - a clam bake, a Super Bowl Party, a jazz brunch, or a dog walk - is a great way to make new friends and raise money.
9. If you had a hammer. If you're handy, then you are hired! Go to your local shelter and ask if they have any renovations they need done.
10. The numbers game. Shelters on a shoestring can reap enormous benefits from the guidance of a caring accountant. To operate smoothly, any nonprofit must keep good records.
Don't know where your local shelter is? Go to www.aspca.org for a list.