Children’s generosity continues to benefit dogs and cats at Tuscarawas County Humane Society Animal Shelter

  • By Jennifer Kneuss
  • March 12, 2010
  • 745
                        
Brynn Coles celebrated her 9th birthday on March 11. Her sister, Kylee, turned 7 on Feb. 19. But this year, when the girls had their shared birthday party, their guests brought different kinds of gifts. Some were in gift bags, some were adorned with pretty bows – but these gifts were sacks of dog and cat food, treats, bags of kitty litter, dog and cat toys, paper towels, and laundry detergent. “What started it was that Brynn and I were watching TV together. They saw an ad on TV showing abandoned kittens and puppies, and Brynn started crying. She couldn’t understand why people would abuse their animals. It was getting time for their birthday, and they have everything they need,” explained their mother, Nicole Coles. “I said to the girls, since we haven’t had much time to volunteer at the Tuscarawas County Humane Society Animal Shelter, how about if we ask your friends for donations for the animals instead? They were super excited. It was almost like they got their own presents. They think that it was cool that all of the stuff they got almost filled up the back of our small SUV.” The Coles family have a dog and a cat of their own, and the sisters really love animals. “Our cat was a stray, and our dog came from a dog rescue facility,” explained Nicole Coles. “After we had helped at the shelter, Brynn wanted to adopt another animal, particularly a kitty. We explained to her that this way we can share the love with a whole lot of animals, not just one kitten.” The Coles family delivered their carload of animal goodies to the shelter on March 8. “This is the third birthday party that we have had that has done this,” said Shelly Affolter, part-time shelter director. “It’s absolutely wonderful that kids of this age are so giving. It is wonderful that they are so selfless.” The first birthday party donation drive was done by Missy Snyder, and the second came from the combined efforts of Sami and Max Demattio, who celebrated their 8th and 9th birthdays, respectively. Donations, fundraisers, and grant monies keep the Tuscarawas County Humane Society shelter, which opened in the summer of 2009, in operation. “We have no affiliation with the Humane Society U.S.,” stated Affolter. “We receive no money from them.” The Humane Society U.S. is primarily a political lobbying organization, and solicits for donations through television ads and direct mailing lists, unlike the local animal shelter. “Our shelter relies on the generosity of local people,” she added. The shelter’s animals come from neglect and abuse cases, abandoned animals, and those whose owners are no longer able to care for them. Shelter workers also are regular visitors to the county dog pound, where they rescue animals who have run out of time for adoption and are facing euthanasia. The animals at the shelter are taken care of several times a day, seven days a week. The shelter has had a recent influx of animals. “Last week we had 20 new dogs brought in,” explained Lindsey Lewis, part-time shelter assistant. “We have about 30 dogs right now, plus kittens.” Lewis assisted the Coles in choosing dogs to walk outside in the warming March air. The animals depend on volunteers to walk and exercise them. All are housed in beautiful individual kennels that were provided by local businesses, but appreciate the chance to get outdoors as much as possible. The Coles also helped with daily kennel cleaning duties during their visit, and the girls eagerly played with several young puppies who are still looking for new homes. The girls’ father, Bryan Coles, beamed at his daughters as they held the squirming pups. “I am so very proud of them,” he said. “I am glad that they catch on to what we teach them at home, as well as at church. It is a great feeling to see them wanting to give, rather than to get.” The Tuscarawas County Humane Society Shelter is located at 6895 Dover-Zoar Road, Dover, about five miles from the Dover corporation line. Shelter hours for those interested in donating products or adopting pets are Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. until noon, and Monday through Friday, 4:30-7 p.m. The shelter can be reached at 330-343-6060, or online at www.tuschumanesociety.com.


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