A new era of kindness for Walton County pet owners and their dogs and cats has begun with the opening earlier this year of a new, modern animal shelter and the birth of a support group--Friends of the Walton County Animal Shelter, Inc. This shelter is the first ever built and run by the county, and ends the transfer of animals back and forth to Washington County. For almost eight years dogs and cats picked up by Walton County Animal Control were trucked to Chipley, whether they were lost, strays, injured or just plain unwanted. The long drive discouraged owners from going to look for lost pets, and the possibility of adoptions from Chipley was very dim.
About the time the shelter opened a small group of residents met and decided that a countywide support organization could help the shelter by providing some of the needs the county couldn't supply. For instance, surgical equipment could be added that will make the required spaying and neutering of all adopted animals quicker and more efficient. A local veterinarian has daily visits, and a vet technician is on site.
At this time the Friends group is incorporated with a tax number and is awaiting 501 (c) (3) status. Filing fees with both the state and Internal Revenue Service, and all legal fees have been paid by a local donor, so the stage is set to proceed with public support.
The first public meeting of Friends, Inc., will be held at the Freeport Community Center on Sept. 9, at 7 pm. Highlighting that meeting will be speaker Laura Bevan, renowned for her 23 years of outstanding service with the Humane Society of the United States. She is currently Director of the Eastern Regional Office, which services 26 states with 19 staff members. She is scheduled to tour the new shelter facility before addressing the meeting.
For more information call Ella Caro, 231-6038, or email ecarosrb1@embarqmail.com .
About the time the shelter opened a small group of residents met and decided that a countywide support organization could help the shelter by providing some of the needs the county couldn't supply. For instance, surgical equipment could be added that will make the required spaying and neutering of all adopted animals quicker and more efficient. A local veterinarian has daily visits, and a vet technician is on site.
At this time the Friends group is incorporated with a tax number and is awaiting 501 (c) (3) status. Filing fees with both the state and Internal Revenue Service, and all legal fees have been paid by a local donor, so the stage is set to proceed with public support.
The first public meeting of Friends, Inc., will be held at the Freeport Community Center on Sept. 9, at 7 pm. Highlighting that meeting will be speaker Laura Bevan, renowned for her 23 years of outstanding service with the Humane Society of the United States. She is currently Director of the Eastern Regional Office, which services 26 states with 19 staff members. She is scheduled to tour the new shelter facility before addressing the meeting.
For more information call Ella Caro, 231-6038, or email ecarosrb1@embarqmail.com .
We'll be there.... maybe we can help!