What a difference a year can make. The Bainbridge Decatur County Humane Shelter took in over 2500 animals since November 2004. The adoptions were over 800 as compared to only 9 for the entire year of 2000. The happy ending for those adopted is due to motivated officers a very supportive board of directors, committed volunteers a staff that is committed to the animals in their care and a community that cares.
There are currently 6 full and part time employees at the shelter with an animal population around 100 plus. What once was one building is now two. Outside pens have been added so the dogs can get some exercise and do not get ‘cage crazy’.
Thanks to a Kirbo Grant the new building also has all new cages. Volunteers provided more personal contact for the animals and spend time playing and exercising them. Volunteers are always needed and are needed after lunch and on Saturday.
Some of the animals are released to rescue groups that deal with specific breeds. Some of the animals have been adopted during a trip to the Petco in Tallahassee. Five were adopted on the first trip and more will be going this month with the hope of finding a new home.
While great changes have been made for the lives of so many animals there are many more that need help. Pet owners need to be responsible pet owners. Cats and dogs should be spayed or neutered. They also should be treated for the prevention of heartworms. So many of the dogs taken in at the Humane Society are heartworm positive and treating them is very expensive. Make you animal identifiable. If an animal is received at the shelter they make every possible effort to contact the owner. If you see an animal that is being abused or mistreated contact the Humane Society.
