Somebody to Love: The Holmes County Humane Society

  • by Denice Rovira Hazlett
  • August 21, 2013
  • 441
                        
Summary: Last year, the Holmes County Humane Society placed 119 pets in safe, loving homes, solely through the work of volunteers and the support of generous animal lovers. Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of our four-legged friends? Story: With names like Arlo (as in Guthrie) and Marvin (as in Gaye), you'd think these guys could belt out a tune. But, really, the most they can do is throw back their hairy heads and howl. Still, if they could sing, the song they'd most likely be crooning right now would be an old Queen tune, that goes, "Can anybody find me somebody to love?" That's because Arlo, Marvin, and nearly 50 of their friends are eagerly awaiting a second chance, a best buddy, and window-down car ride to their fur-ever home. Arlo, a big, slobbery-but-lovable black lab, has been at the Holmes County Humane Society (HCHS) since April. When he arrived at HCHS, he wasn't in great shape, having been neglected and testing positive for heartworm, a life-threatening parasite contracted through mosquito bites. Arlo was successfully treated and was on-hand to gladly greet visitors during a Pet Appreciation Week (PAW) event on Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Tractor Supply Company in Millersburg. Many of Arlo's canine companions were there, too--four new terrier pups, Dave the one-eyed dog, and a scrappy little guy who had just been pulled from the Holmes County Dog Warden's shelter by six-year volunteer Bonnie Baker. Plus, there was a crateful of kitties who drew plenty of attention. This was the 7th annual PAW event the HCHS has attended, not only to give the community a chance to meet and cuddle some of the animals, but also to learn about the needs of the hard-working organization which is run mostly by dedicated individual and group volunteers. Folks like Bonnie Baker enjoy accompanying dogs on long walks through the fields, woods and country roads surrounding the 50-acre farm in Glenmont, willed to the group in 2006 by animal advocate Bob Murray. Volunteers also clean the kennels and the free-roaming cat rooms twice each day. "The simple act of sitting with the cats and dogs, brushing them and talking to them is a very necessary and beneficial contribution to their welfare," says volunteer Carlona Coker of Millersburg. Baker adds that it's beneficial to her and the other volunteers,too. She loves walking the dogs at the farm because it's such a peaceful place. Plus, the love she receives from the animals is very rewarding. Work done now by volunteers makes a difference for future four-legged visitors, too. In early August, 25 members of New Pointe Community Church painted the dog barn, did some much-needed construction and got their hands dirty with landscaping at the farm. Families, 4H and Scout groups visit the farm, too. There's even a professional photography studio, Kerri Wile of Captured by Kerri of Orrville, Ohio, that takes gorgeous glamour shots of the animals to help them find homes. Those pictures, plus event photos, can be found on the group's Facebook page, now boasting more than 1,000 likes. Still, finding enough volunteers to meet the demand isn't easy. Animal care, building construction and renovation is still sorely needed. Finding funds, too, is a major challenge. The HCHS receives no government dollars and survives solely on memberships, donations, adoptions and grants to give animals the care and shelter they need. Every adopted animal goes home spayed or neutered, tested for heartworm (in dogs) and feline leukemia (in cats), given a rabies shot, and fully vaccinated. Dogs who test positive for heartworm receive costly treatment, ranging from $300-600 per dog, primarily through private donations as well as by collecting aluminum cans and other items from 8-11 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month at Rodhe's IGA. Currently, four of the shelter's dogs are heartworm positive. Facilities cost money, too. Right now, HCHS needs washable walls to cover bare insulation, as well as suitable flooring to replace the unsealed concrete. HCHS's hard work is definitely paying off. They placed 119 animals in homes in 2012 and 90 so far this year. They also have a strong vision for establishing an urgently-needed spay and neuter program to reduce the ever-growing unwanted animal population. In addition to Tractor Supply Company, HCHS also shows cats daily at Wooster Petco's adoption center and dogs attend monthly adoption weekends, too. This year, HCHS will also hold adoption events on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Berlin Harvest Festival, on Labor Day in Killbuck, and in Millersburg at Village Motors' Customer Appreciation Day, date to-be-announced. The farm's annual open house, where folks can see the adoptable pets and walk the grounds, will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 1-4 pm at 15258 Township Road 15 in Glenmont. Potential adopters, volunteers and those interested in seeing the farm before then should call 330-377-4026. Adoptable pets can be viewed on Facebook at Facebook.com/HolmesCountyHumaneSociety and at PetFinder.com. And, as always, donations are greatly needed and accepted, either by dropping a few dollars in the donation box at TSC until August 31st, by purchasing and donating cleaning supplies and Purina pet foods, or by mailing a check to HCHS PO Box 442, Millersburg, OH 44654. Even just a few dollars could help animals like Arlo and Marvin find what they truly need and can currently only dream of--somebody to love.


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