Humane society plans events galore to support homeless pets

Ever consider how much it costs per day to keep an animal at the Julia Wagner shelter in Front Royal? If you guessed at approximately $400, you would be close.

$400 a day for my keep at the shelter – but I’m a much cheaper keep if you bring me home; I’ll even help with laundry.

According to the Humane Society of Warren County’s recent newsletter, the figure is $390. Total cost of animal care for all of last year in Warren County was $597,235.

That’s why, we guess, that the newsletter, “Shelter Tales,” is boosting five fund raisers through July; and boasting of “another wonderful year for the homeless animals of Warren County” last year. Statistics show a “live release rate” (adoptions, animals returned to their owners and so on) up to 97% (dogs), 93% (cats), and 98% for other animals. The day I was at the shelter, only four dogs were incarcerated although, as executive director Lavenda Denney observed, “That number could change overnight.”

Fundraisers include one that is active through Feb. 14. Call the shelter (635-4734) and they’ll tell you how to get into the annual Madison Square Garden, NYC, dog show raffle, and enjoy a bit of a financial interest in one of the world’s largest dog extravaganzas as you follow the two-day event on television. Tickets are limited, by the way. Sponsors are Shear Elegance Pet Boutique, Lester & Mowery’s Pharmacy, and Syntax Communications, Inc. Top prize is $500.

Next up is the PAWcasso (Picasso, get it?) Art Exhibit to benefit HSWC at the Blue Ridge Arts Council on Main Street Friday, Feb. 24.

But the big, big event is on Saturday, April 1, at the shelter on Progress Drive, when the humane society will hold its 70th Birthday Party Open House, an all-day event.

The popular Barks & Bags luncheon sponsored by Ellen Aders State Farm and Jean’s Jewelers is on Friday, April 28, and the two-day HSWC annual yard sale is scheduled for July 15 and 16.

April 11 is the date of the HSWC annual meeting. Four new members will be elected to the board of directors. Letters of interest should be mailed before Feb. 24 if you are, and have been since Jan. 11, a member of HSWC. Those letters should go to the HSWC, 1245 Progress Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630.

Just a reminder – the HSWC is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate care to abandoned, abused, homeless and neglected animals in our community. The aim is to educate pet owners on the importance of vaccinations and population control and to place adoptable pets in loving homes.