40th Anniversary of The Wayne County Humane Society

  • By: Karen Skubik
  • August 5, 2013
  • 383
                        
A lot has changed since the Wayne County Humane Society became a chartered organization 40 years ago, but their mission remains: “To provide compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, to measurably reduce companion animal overpopulation, and to take a leadership role in educating and promoting human values.” According to executive director Stuart Mykrantz, in 1973 the Wayne County Humane Society (WCHS) “started with 9 board members and now has 18. Many of those 18 board members in addition to veterinarians, volunteers, staff, and community members were on hand to celebrate four decades of operation at a recent barbeque held at the shelter. John McCord, president of the board, shared his reason for volunteering on the board, “I’ve always been taught by my parents that you should give back to the community”. A lot of giving is necessary in the forms of planning, support and volunteer hours to provide adoption and rescue services, veterinary expertise, and daily care of the sheltered animals. Even with eight full-time employees and four part-time, the shelter could not function without the many dedicated volunteers. Mykrantz noted “tracking the number of volunteers is a nontrivial task as we are a worksite for multiple organizations as well as a place where individuals volunteer”. There are many noteworthy volunteers, but one standout includes Nancy Britton, the volunteer coordinator who has put in 40+ volunteer hours per week since October of 2009. Another super volunteer is Ron Forrer who, Mykrantz explained, “for the last 4 ½ years (Ron) has been a dedicated friend to the dogs at the shelter. Come rain, shine, snow or heat, he is there at least once a week walking the dogs”. Volunteering can even be a family commitment. The Blough family (consisting of Darren, Michele, Nathaniel and Moryah) have been socializing cats and walking dogs weekly since 2011. Michelle even provides treats for the staff when she comes. Forty years ago, Mykrantz recalled, “we started with no building, only foster homes for stray and abandoned dogs.” A small shelter was later established, and in 1993 the shelter was expanded to its present size. Julia Everhart, director of operations, estimated that the shelter is currently housing 50+ dogs and about 100 cats. One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the constant need of supplies. Items as simple as paper towels, heavy-duty trash bags, and ink pens are welcome donations, but listed under “urgent” on the WCHS’s wish list are “Have a Heart Traps”, Hard Rubber Dog Toys, and of course more volunteers and foster parents. Then there’s the less glamorous, yet essential need to update the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. Mary Schantz, vice-president of the board, welcomes the community to help raise funds for all the many WCHS needs by attending the following events: 8/18, 1 pm – Dog Day at Freedlander Pool; 9/22, 11:30 am – Dog Walk at Oak Hill Park ; and 10/5, all day – Clam Bake. Further details can be found at www.wchs.org.


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