Emotions run deep at Humane Society’s annual meeting

Two dogs lucked out, one in the last month of his life, as recounted in emotional stories told at the Annual Meeting of the Humane Society of Warren County (HSWC) on Tuesday, April 11.

The heart-warming and heart-wrenching tales came on the heels of scores of awards for service to the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter’s staff and volunteers, who’d notched an unsurpassed 95-percent “save” rate of animals that padded through its doors during 2016.

Above, Bailey in October 2015 after he was turned over to the Wagner Shelter due to renal failure; and below, relaxing with Eric in December 2015 in the loving home of his final weeks. Courtesy Photos/Eric+Niki Cales

First, the hound Bailey was in renal failure when turned over to the shelter in the fall of 2015 for hospice care.  On December 14, 2015, along came Front Royal couple Eric and Niki Foster Cales.  Short story: Bailey had a real family that loved him until January 7, when he died in their care.

“Twenty-four days can be a lifetime for a pet in need,” those at the dinner meeting were told.

Then, on April 1, 2016, a few months after Bailey’s passing Niki and Eric were at the shelter again. There, they met Scooby, who had arrived at the shelter emaciated with evidence of past abuse including healed fractures and scarring leaving him psychologically as well as physically damaged. – Short story: Scooby, renamed Joker because of the date of his adoption, went to the caring home of, who else? – Niki and Eric Cales.  Today Joker is in loving arms, gaining both weight and confidence in his forever and caring home.

Above, a restful Joker shows some of the scars of his former life; in below photos he is not only ‘dressing’ better as he fills out, but has toys to play with – things have definitely taken an upward swing for this Joker. Courtesy Photos/Eric+Niki Cales

Niki and Eric received the loudest applause of the evening and the HSWC’s 2017 top Community Partnership Award.

Besides Joker, 591 dogs were helped at the shelter last year.  Some 871 cats and 67 other animals similarly benefited, leading to a 95-percent “save” rate, of which 75 percent were adoptions; 19 percent were reunited with their families, and 1 percent were turned over to rescue groups.

Membership in HSWC reached 461, a 10-percent increase.  Fifty foster families cared for more than 400 animals and 260 volunteers provided 5,300 hours of service.

Elected by acclamation to the HSWC Board of Directors were: Jennifer Condon, Melanie Catron, Julie Covert, and Tammy Williams.

The shelter’s new supervisory veterinarian is Dr. Amy Wright, succeeding Dr. Sue Hirsch; and the new volunteer veterinarian is Dr. Kristen Pence, succeeding Dr. Roe Hirsch (deceased).  Sue Wagoner is the new community outreach coordinator.

Board president Tammy Darr, assisted by Kennel Director Suzanne (Suzy) Daley and bookkeeper Lea Frazier, kept the action moving on this warm Tuesday evening, Darr presenting scores of awards to staff and volunteers, also recognizing corporate sponsors led by the Petco Foundation and Wizards of Realty.  Daley turned the spotlight on this year’s major project, the installation of 22 new dog kennels aided by individual, $1,000 kennel sponsorships.

The board presented an award to shelter Executive Director Lavenda Denney, absent due to a family emergency.  She left, in abstentia, Silver and Bronze Presidential Awards for volunteer hours worked.  Michelle Kosiorek, Terry and Virginia McKinnon received the silver for putting 250-499 hours on the clock. The following were recognized for working 100-249 hours: Abby Mulvena, Amy Thurman, Caroline Craig, Janet Harshman, Joanna Yankey, Linda Arnold, Marta Steane, Melanie Catron, and Tammy Darr.

Five-year time in service awards went to Denney, Lea Frazier, Marie Anderson and Bonnie Rayburn.

Top fundraisers were Waggin’ for Dragons ($44,394); Tails and Ales ($10,756); and Barks & Bags ($10,750).

Denney reported a new 3-year contract with Warren County had been renegotiated with an increase in funding.