HSWC readies to celebrate 70th year with successes and new kennel director

On April 1, Warren County’s humane society celebrates its 70^th year in the business of caring for homeless, sick, injured and abused animals with a day-long open house at the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter in Front Royal.

Confirmation of the date comes on the heels of a report to the HSWC board of directors for 2016 that shows the tremendous strides that have been made in animal welfare in Warren County since 1947, particularly in the past decade.

This follows the release of information by HSWC executive director Lavenda Denney under whose direction last year 95 percent of the 1,368 animals “that entered our doors” – well, that doesn’t include the horse out back in the pasture – were “saved” and she credits the public in general for its support through funds, other donations, and volunteerism.  A recent increase in county funding has also helped toward placing the shelter accounts “in the black.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for all the kindness the public has shown these animals with whom we share our lives,” Denney told the Royal Examiner.  “We could not have done this without the support of our community.”

Two happy rescued dogs gather at one of their forever homes. Courtesy Photo

The Examiner reminds that a stable and dedicated staff, and Denney herself, have had a great deal to do with the recent success stories at the shelter.  Earlier this year, Suzy Daley, an eight-year veteran staffer at the shelter, was promoted to Kennel Director, succeeding Marci Gallo, resigned, and this week, Courtenay Thompson was offered the position Canine Team Leader, replacing Daley.  Thompson, who has completed a Veterinary Technology Degree through NOVA and has seven years experience in animal welfare, begins her new job January 17.

A relatively new program last year helped 500 Warren County “owners in crisis” – people who wanted to keep their pets but couldn’t afford the expense – with emergency veterinary care, spay/neuter services, and pet food.  Denney said the program has relieved the previously consistent overcrowding of the Progress Drive shelter facility.  The day I was there Denney said there were only four adoptable dogs in the kennels.  Director Amy Thurman said that number was down to three later the same day with an adoption completed.

“That is not to say the situation may not change by, say, tomorrow,” remarked Denney in a brief interview.

“This will be our second consecutive year of being designated a ‘no kill’ facility,” she said, pointing out that of a record amount of funds raised, 90 cents of every dollar donated to HSWC goes directly to animal care.

“The public’s support has made our work enjoyable as we are now able to see animals transformed from sick and frightened to healthy, happy and thriving in their new, loving, and forever homes,” she said.

Turning to cats, she reported 200 outdoor cats were trapped, neutered/spayed, and returned to their colony caretakers, another relatively new program.

(Our contributing writer, Malcolm Barr Sr. is a former president of the Humane Society of Warren County).