Adoption center a team effort


Thursday, March 22, 2007
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Adoption center a team effort

By CARMEN MARTIN

Courtesy photo

New sign
Showing off the new sign at the facility located on the new bypass off Highway 7 North are Clarence and Sharon Sanders and granddaughters Katy and Dawn.

The adoption center is a dream come true for the Marshall County Humane Society.

Muriel Perkins’ gracious bequest of a Bristol, Tenn., city bond made it all possible. In accordance with her wishes, none of the funds could be used for euthanasia. Therefore, all of the wonderful animals that are accepted into our program remain with us until they find permanent homes. Animals are not euthanized to make room for a new arrival. As adoption placements are found, new animals can be admitted. This year, in addition to our own rescues, we have accepted five animals from county and city animal control.

Photo by Sue Watson

Food and fellowship
(From left) Sheri McClatchy, Melissa Chipman, Jeanine Kahr and Wanda Boyd take a lunch break Saturday.

Once the building was erected, volunteers, merchants and craftsmen have furthered our progress. Special thanks to Harvey Payne for donating the electrical box, fixtures, and his labor. Special thanks to Rocky Lee for hardware and labor installing our roll-up doors. Another major donor – our own member Clarence Sanders – cleared and fenced the entire property at his own expense, along with the assistance of Marshall County Lumber and Ranch Supply Store which provided supplies at a reduced rate. His wife, Sharon, designed and painted the memorial sign at the entry.

The railroad donated ties used in securing the playyard. Other kindnesses and donations, too numerous to list, continue to enhance our efforts.

Although each Humane Society is independent, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has published guidelines for kennel operations. This criteria was utilized in the construction of our facility, and, currently, in animal care. Upon intake, animals are screened, and not allowed access to common areas for 10 days, during which they are further evaluated for medical conditions and any aggression issues. Examples of HSUS guidelines include individual housing with non-porous wall units between kennels, removal of animals prior to cleaning, exercise requirements, no flushing of fecal matter/hair in common drains, elevated resting boards, and open air exchanges.

In our case, two large fenced yards allow for ample exercise when kennels are being cleaned. HSUS estimates for kennel cleaning equates to approximately 15 minutes per animal per day.

On the state and national level, MCHS has been privileged to participate in two HSUS RAVS spay-neuter clinics. Representatives have attended seminars on animal rescue at the State Police Academy in Jackson. One member participates in Mississippi Animal Response Team conferences to be better prepared in the case of a natural disaster. Volunteers attend seminars at their own expense.

Long recognized as a spay-neuter advocate in Marshall County, the Humane Society has performed over 5,500 spay-neuters in the last seven years. The Marshall County Board of Supervisors provides the site. With equipment purchased through grants and volunteer staffing, Dr. Isis Johnson is able to offer quality spay-neuters at affordable prices. Grants are available to further defray surgical costs for low and fixed income applicants with documentation.

Our largest ongoing fund-raiser is the Second Saturday Flea and Farmers Market held monthly at the VFW building and grounds. It is open to all vendors; however, no animal sales are permitted.

If you are wondering what to do with your spring cleaning leftovers, used furniture, and appliances, you can donate these to the Humane Society and receive a receipt for tax purposes.

Donations of cash, pet food and other items are always needed. Currently our want list includes puppy food, dog food, dog biscuits, chew toys, collars, leashes, bleach and paper products. Donation of any of these items can be accepted at the Rental Barn. On larger items that require pickup, please call 564-2900.

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