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 Since that time the mission of the Humane Society
of Logan County has been realized. Approximately 135 animals per
year have been taken in by the HSLC and gone to new homes.
People who are no longer able can turn their pet over to the HSLC
and know that the volunteers at the shelter will love and care for
their pet, and do everything in their power to find a new family
where the pet can be loved and provided for as the original owner
would wish.
The HSLC began without property or walls first utilizing foster
parents who took the animals into their own homes until they were
adopted.
While the shelter was built in 2011, foster parents are also still
utilized a great deal today and provide one of many ways that
community members can volunteer to assist animals in need in Logan
County.
In an interview, long-term HSLC Board President Ellen Burbage talked
about the services the shelter provides and the impact it has on our
community and animals.
So, how does having the HSLC benefit the community?
First of all, it offers a safe loving environment for animals. There
are cases when someone has to move from one home to another and they
may not be able to take a pet to the new home. Many cats are just
turned loose outside and left to fend for themselves. It isn’t the
ideal situation, and if there were no HSLC it would happen much more
often than it does.
In the case of dogs, it is not uncommon for them to be left inside a
vacated property. Burbage noted that the pet owner assumes that when
they move out, someone will come in and check the home to prepare
for the next renter. They reason that the dog will not be there
long.
Logan County Animal Control is called for those animals and they are
taken into the care of the county. The problem is now that the
animal is officially tagged as a stray, and HSLC cannot take it.
Animal Control works with a no-kill animal rescue and reducing the
number of euthanasia.
There are rare exceptions when Animal Control will contact HSLC and
speak with a volunteer about a specific animal, and in some cases
the HSLC can justify taking the animal under its guidelines.
The HSLC adoption center for displaced pets serves the community by
cutting down the population of strays.
Mary Dowdel
(left) and Wanda Stevens
The HSLC wants these pets to be “good citizens” in their community.
They work on acceptable behaviors not just in their new home, but in
their new neighborhood. Volunteer Wanda Stevens works a great deal
with the dogs.
Wanda Stevens
Burbage is one of several volunteers constantly working with animals
and people to find the right match-ups, so that when adopted animals
and their human friends will be happy and enjoy a long and rewarding
relationship.
Burbage says people may believe they are choosing the animal; a
little known reality is that the animal chooses them.
The animals who come to the shelter get excellent treatment.
Volunteers have seen extraordinary moments, when the waiting animal
meets the one person who checks all their personal boxes. Sometimes,
when that person arrives the animal reaction is instantaneous to the
positive interaction with the human.
Case in point, Burbage talked about a dear sweet Pit-mix who had
been at the shelter for a while. First, she said, Pits get a bad
rap, but when cared for and loved, they are the most loving,
friendly, gentle and fun dogs anyone could ask for.
However, this particular dog didn’t present well when folks came to
visit. Already saddled with a bad reputation because of its breed,
the dog was not top on anyone’s list, and notably no one had drawn
the Pit’s attention either.
Then one day it happened. A fellow walked into the back kennel room,
the dog looked up and the change was instantaneous. The dog knew
this was her person, and responded immediately to him. The two spent
some great time together and when it was all said and done, the
fellow said he wanted to adopt this sweet little gal and give her a
new forever home.
Burbage said that the dog was so thrilled by the adoption and it was
clear. When he returned to take her home she responded to her human
immediately. It was such a joyful time for the volunteers as they
watched her happily accept the lead of a new leash and head for her
human’s car. When he opened the door she jumped into the front seat
and sat proudly, happily, ready to go home. Burbage said the last
they saw that day was that lovely happy dog with her head sticking
out the window headed for a new chapter in her life.
The moments like these are the reward that the volunteers live for
each day as they care for animals and get them ready for adoption.
Understanding loss and the hard transition
Burbage said that the time spent getting pets in the shelter ready
for a new home is important because the pet has gone through trauma
losing their home and family with no explanation. Reasons a loved
one is no longer able to care for a pet vary. It may be due to
relocation to a home that won’t permit pets, a human health or even
a death.
For the animal the trip to the shelter is frightening and
unsettling. When the owner is going through emotional distress it
transfers to the animal. They know something is very wrong, and that
somehow involves them.
Volunteers show the animal copious amounts of love, and groom each
to be a good pet in the future. Trust must be rebuilt.
Dogs are particularly wary of what is going to happen next and
confused by their new surroundings. Making them feel loved goes a
long way toward reestablishing that trust in mankind.
New home and owner preparation
The HSLC does some investigation if the person involved will be a
good pet-parent.
There is an automatic 24-hour waiting period after someone decides
on a pet. This gives the human a chance to really think about his or
her decision and be confident that it was the right one.
If there are other pets in the home, HSLC requires a meet and greet
at the shelter. Burbage said, of course the hope is that after a
little ‘sniffing” and ‘hissing’ that the new family member will be
welcomed.
HSLC also gives fair warning to folks as they look for a new pet.
Prospects are informed during the first visit whether or not a dog
will get along with other dogs or if it has an adversity to cats.
If there are other pets in the home, HSLC asks for a veterinarian
referral about how well the other pets in the household are cared
for and are there any concerns about adding a new pet to the mix.
The ultimate goal is that no pet be sent to an unhappy home.
Spaying and neutering is a responsible action for pet owners, but it
can be costly. An organization in Springfield arranges
transportation to the clinic for animals that are in HSLC care and
for others not in their care. Spay/neuter clinics are noted on the
HSLC website.
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All volunteer
The HSLC is 100 percent managed by volunteers. In its earlier days
the society did hire an administrator. One the last administrators
was Mary Dowdel, who is now a volunteer. Dowdel volunteers to work
in the office and is also committed to the 30 some cats that are
currently living at the shelter.
Another long-time volunteer is Wanda Stevens, who is the ‘adoption
counsellor.’ When someone decides to adopt, they will work with
Stevens to assure that they are prepared for the responsibility of
pet-ownership.
Pet cemetery serves community
Volunteers who have been there from the start and part of starting
the pet cemetery include Judy Conzo, Dennis Schrader and Marilyn
Wheat. Ambassadors Conzo and Wheat go out talk to folks about the
cemetery and the services offered at the HSLC.
Burbage said that for those who have lost a pet, this is a very
important service. The cemetery allows them to have a forever
resting place for their pet. Owners always know where their pet lies
to rest and can come anytime to pay a visit.
Cemetery for people too
In addition, the cemetery does allow for human remains, so those who
wish, may be laid along-side their pet when their days are done.
Volunteers the core of HSLC
Burbage said that volunteers are such a vital part of the daily work
of the HSLC, and there are a lot of different opportunities. When
talking to people about volunteering she often hears comments such
as “I can’t volunteer because I would end up taking them all home
with me.”
Burbage says it really doesn’t end up being that way. When a pet is
adopted the volunteers are just as happy as the pet and the new
owner. It is not a sad time; it is a time of rejoicing.
Burbage said there are tons of opportunities to help that do not
include daily care of the pets.
Volunteer opportunities:
Administration Office Helper
Assist with light duties in the office such as filing, shredding old
documents, cutting scrap paper, etc. Additional duties include
assisting with folding, labeling and sorting bulk mailings.
Cleaner
Areas include lobby/entry, restroom, hallway and laundry room.
Typical duties include, but are not limited to, dusting countertops,
sweeping/mopping floors, removing animal hair from cloth furniture,
emptying trash cans, washing/folding laundry and replenishing
supplies.
Building and Grounds / Workday Volunteer
Assist maintenance custodian with small jobs such as cleaning
outside windows, removing debris from gutters, painting and minor
maintenance.
Ground Maintenance
Help care for flowers, sidewalks and lawn around the facility during
the year. This may include planting flowers, mowing, raking leaves
and shoveling snow at the shelter and cemetery. Sign-ups preferred
for one month of service.
Outreach / Foster Parents
Provide temporary care in your home for animals that are awaiting
adoption, which is a full-time commitment to feed, clean and nurture
animals. A completed application and interview are required.
Committees
Do you have a particular skill or interest that you would like to
share? Consider joining a committee that meets one a month.
Committees include Fundraising, Animal Affairs, Nominating, Finance
& Personnel, Membership and Public Relations.
Kennel Crew (two people) - Dogs
One team member cleans inside: wash and sanitize kennels, beds, food
and water bowls and the isolation room. The other team member takes
the dogs into the runs, monitors the dogs, cleaning the waste and
cleaning up outside the kennels.
Room Crews (two people) - Cats
Scoop litter, wash and sanitize litter boxes; wash, sanitize and
refill food bowls and water dishes. Wash all toys, kennels and
furniture. Change linen.
Companion
Socialize and help with behavioral adjustments (stay, retrieve, lay
down, etc.) and walk dogs. Trained volunteers bathe and brush dogs.
Volunteers hold, pet, play with and brush cats.
Special Event options:
Pie Sale (April)
Bakers are needed to share their favorite pies.
Route 66 Garage Sale (June)
Volunteers are needed to assist in sorting, cleaning, organizing and
pricing donated items. In addition, individuals with vehicles are
needed to pick up items from those unable to transport their
donation.
Pints for Paws (August)
Serve as a celebrity bartender, competing with other celebrity
bartenders to see who can solicit the most tips.
Christmas Cookies and Bake Sale (December)
Bakers are needed for cookies, cakes, brownies, breads, and more.
Additionally, volunteers are needed the evening before the event to
assist in boxing cookies for all pre-sales.
Burger Bash (as announced)
Serve food, clean tables, and act as an ambassador for HSLC at
Culvers for approximately three hours.
And finally, you can help with your generous donations.
Burbage said that the community is very supportive, with many local
organizations doing work to provide pet food and supplies. She noted
this year one local veterinarian did an angel tree pet food drive
and brought in more than 700 pounds of pet foods.
Local school and youth organizations do pet food drives as a
community service project. A number of children in the area have
requested that friends give pet supplies instead of birthday gifts
at their parties.
Those efforts make a huge difference in the shelter’s ability to
care for the animals and the donations are greatly appreciated.
Annually, it takes about $100,000 to keep the shelter running. There
are no paid employees at the shelter so that money is used strictly
for overhead and maintenance at the shelter, and for the care of the
animals.
Animals that need vet care and medications are not turned away, the
HSLC does what it takes to care for an animal regardless of what the
cost may be.
Fundraisers and public donations are invaluable. Anyone, at any time
can make a cash donation directly. No matter how large or how small,
every dollar donated is put to good use and greatly appreciated.
If you’ve not been out to the HSLC shelter, now is a good time to
go. Visit the facility and talk to the volunteers about what they
do. All of the people are friendly and knowledgeable and enjoy
sharing. But be prepared, the animals will win your heart in a
moment.
While you may not be able to take someone home, making a donation
will mean that you have a personal stake in the wellbeing of those
animals and have done your part to assure they find a good forever
home.
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