By Debbie Graham, est Columnist
Sometimes when our team of volunteers from New Digs for Dogs comes back from a day at the Valley River Humane Society in Marble, we touch base with each other and go over the highlights of our experience.
It is one of the most rewarding things to do. When you help animals, you may not get the kind of thank you that you would expect but seeing a happy puppy, kittens playing, a hungry dog fed or a cat that was brought in because its owner went to a nursing home – that is our thank you.
The local humane society is a team of dedicated employees under the direction of Cheyene Spicola. Their job is demanding, and every day they care for animals from Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties with love.
The humane society is at full capacity nearly all of the time. If you come for a visit, you would see all the kennels filled.
To prevent your pet from being sent to a shelter, please make provisions for them. Please don’t forget about the welfare of your pets. They have given you love and companionship. Older pets are more difficult to re-home so please think about what will happen when you are no longer able to care for them.
My husband and I – both seniors – have adopted three senior dogs over the past 19 months from the humane society. Bug is a 16-year-old heeler mix; Alex, a 10-year-old redbone hound mix; and Audrey, a 12-year-old Lab mix. Seniors make wonderful pets.
The animal shelter needs volunteers. Jobs include laundry assistance, restocking items, straightening up the breakroom, general cleaning, painting, gardening, routine maintenance, socializing cats and dogs, and walking dogs.
We are happy to have added Martin Barros to our monthly all-day volunteer team. He recently was awarded the N.C. Governor’s Volunteer Appreciation Certificate. He has helped in the past with special events.
We would like to thank all our regular volunteers in New Digs for Dogs who help the animal shelter, and Pat Kern and Moss Memorial Library.
Please donate and support the humane society. Adopt from the shelter or rescue groups, spay or neuter your pets and shop at the thrift store in Murphy.
To volunteer, call the animal shelter at 828-837-2304 and ask for Carol.
To volunteer for adoption events, the thrift store, special fundraisers, sign up at email volunteer@vrhs.org and Ariane Reeves will contact you.
Our shelter needs bleach, paper towels, antibacterial soap refills and Purina Kitten Chow. Thank you for your support.
The writer is a resident of Hayesville. Call her and leave a message, no text, at 828-389-6126.