The Scoop -May 2008 - Spartanburg Humane Society

The Scoop
at the Spartanburg Humane Society
Summer 2008
Starving Horses Find a Second Chance
On Friday, February 1st, the Spartanburg Humane Society was
asked by County Animal Control to take custody of 16 horses
suffering from neglect. Animal Control officers responding to a
complaint had found one horse dead and another in such bad
condition that it had to be euthanized. After being charged with
two counts of animal cruelty, the farm owner surrendered the
horses into our care.
When these horses came to us, their heads hung low and their
shabby coats were poorly fitted to their thin bodies. For some,
it seemed that their weakness may be absolute and irreversible.
But after just a few days in their temporary home they began to
act like horses again. When Michelle began to see some high
spiritedness, she couldn’t contain her excitement. No one has
ever been more pleased by the stubborn antics of a horse!
Just the next day,
the horses were
transported
to
Michelle
Stott’s
foster
farm
in
Landrum,
where
they began their
long
recovery
After their energy and spirits returned, it became obvious that
in addition to being denied basic nutrition and medical care,
the horses had not been properly socialized. Most of the herd
had never been taught even basic equine manners, which are
necessary for any horse to become a stable and lovable member
of the family. For most of our new friends, “halter” was a foreign
word – as were “lead line” and “trailer.”
Of the six colts and fillies, six mares, and four stallions, most had
substandard body condition scores and diagnostic blood work
reflected a history of neglect. The farm they left behind was
badly mismanaged. Stallions were allowed to roam freely and
breed randomly with the mares. As a result, nursing mothers
in poor condition were pregnant again. With little food and no
medical care, this was a recipe for disaster. They had come to
us just in time.
The horses flourished under the skilled medical guidance of Dr.
Edward Davidson of the Spartanburg Animal Clinic and with
Michelle’s Stott’s exceptional care.
Blackie’s
transformation with
food and loving
attention
Photos by M. Stott
process.
Relief
that the listless
horses were easily
lured on and off the
trailer with good
food was mixed
. . .After 2 months in our care
with outrage that
such magnificent creatures could be allowed to deteriorate so
dramatically. Our shock and sadness over their condition was
only lightened by the knowledge that their suffering was over.
Photos by M. Stott
Dark Girl when she
first came to us. . .
Michelle was determined that these horses become upstanding
members of the equine community. She knew it was essential
for them to be responsibly placed into adoptive homes. Once
their health stabilized, Michelle started instruction in “Being a
Horse 101.” The horses responded immediately. Like so many
of
the
animals
who come to us,
they only needed
a chance to prove
how wonderful they
could be with the
right care, love, and
respect.
In less than three
months
time,
the
horses
are
almost unrecognizable from the neglected creatures who first
needed our help. Only one of them, Spike, had not shown the
improvement seen in the rest of the herd. After a trip to the
Continued on page 5...
From the President - Sandy Christiansen
150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303
(864) 583-4805
l
www.spartanburghumane.org
Board of Directors
Chair
Chair Elect
Past Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Darwin Simpson
Robert V. Pinson
Joe Brunson
John Tatham
Susan Britt
Tom Barnet
John Chapman
Brooks Crenshaw
Ken Darr
Kimberly Fly
Jim Grier
Pam Howard
Ruth Knight
Keenan Mullen
Management Staff
President/CEO
Sandy Christiansen
Vice President of Operations
Lisa Cook
Vice President of Community Programs
Natalie DiGiacomo
Vice President of Veterinary Services
Dr. Melissa Elledge
Shelter Manager
Kelly Stockwell
Assistant Shelter Manager
Wayne Blackburn
Assistant Shelter Manager
Connie Singletary
Hours of Operation
Hours for Receiving and Lost and Found Services:
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Shelter Adoption Hours:
Monday - Friday 11:00am-6:00pm
Weekends 11:00am-5:00pm
You can also see SHS pets available for adoption
at the Spartanburg PetSmart:
Wednesday – Saturday 12:00 – 7:00 pm
Sunday 11:30 – 5:00 pm
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Don’t forget to check out our adoptable pets online.
Our new site, www.spartanburghumane.org,
includes video of featured pets of the week.
Save-A-Pet Store
Buy your pet supplies and flea prevention
products at the SHS Save-A-Pet store, open
during shelter adoption hours. Proceeds benefit
the lost, homeless, unwanted, and neglected
animals of Spartanburg County!
2
I have held many roles in the field of animal welfare,
not the least of which was that of an animal cruelty
investigator. Having personally investigated or supervised
many thousands of cases involving neglect and outright
abuse, animal cruelty is something I take very seriously.
The capacity for animal suffering at the hands of individuals,
whether due to ignorance, indifference, or malicious intent,
is sobering. The only relief is the knowledge that an
effective response has the power to immediately alleviate suffering and to prevent it
from happening again. Unfortunately, too often in Spartanburg County only one of these
objectives is achieved.
In this issue, you will read about the successful rehabilitation of 16 horses who were the
victims of serious neglect. The before and after pictures are wonderful reminders of the
difference we were able to make in the lives of these amazing animals. We can and
should celebrate their future, but we cannot forget their past.
These 16 horses are going to be okay, but the sad truth is that the cycle of abuse that
led to their suffering was not stopped – even briefly. Their owner had been charged with
animal cruelty in the past, and after paying a small fine for these most recent charges,
he has horses now. Sadly we see this time and time again. People accused of cruelty
and neglect give up their animals, sometimes pay a small fine, and then start the cycle
over.
Currently, the SHS provides housing and care for victims of abuse and neglect, while
the investigation of animal cruelty complaints falls under the purview of municipal animal
control officers. Under this system, the SHS can only respond after the animals have
been surrendered to our care, as in the case of these horses.
Unfortunately, the number and complexity of calls can often overwhelm officials’ ability to
adequately respond to and resolve complaints. The consequences for cruelty or neglect
are usually limited to fines or relinquishment of the animals (into our care). These
strategies may solve the immediate problem, but they do nothing to affect the underlying
cause. The goal of an investigator must be to go one step further – to do everything
possible to ensure that no more animals are mistreated by that same person.
We believe that supplementing municipal services by having an SHS animal cruelty
investigator to respond to complaints will significantly impact the prevention of animal
abuse and neglect in Spartanburg County.
Our investigations department would
complement existing municipal programs, but with a different approach.
Thorough investigations will be backed by consistent follow-up, which is essential
to long term compliance in situations where animals have been poorly treated. In
instances of neglect, an SHS investigator will empower individuals to make responsible
choices, educating them about proper pet care and connecting them with affordable
SHS resources and services (such as low cost veterinary care). When education is not
enough, or in cases of intentional cruelty, we will work with local law enforcement and
solicitors to build a strong case and prosecute perpetrators.
I believe that our community can and must do a better job of protecting animals who
suffer from neglect and abuse. If you believe in our vision to enhance the way our
community responds to animal cruelty and neglect, and you want to invest in this future,
please contact me at 583-4805, ext. 104. I want to hear from you and am hopeful that,
together, we can make a bigger difference in the lives of animals who deserve better.
Pass It On
Memorials & Honors
Lori Connorton has been volunteering
at the SHS for over a year. She helps
out with just about every task there
is to do and even helps to train new
volunteers. And as if that wasn’t
enough, she and her adorable dog,
Jillie, are now a part of the SHS
Animal Assisted Therapy Program,
sharing their smiles and tail wags
with residents of local long term care
facilities.
HONORARIUMS
2008 Sessions
MEMORIALS
N. DiGiacomo
A two week day camp for children entering grades 5 - 10
The program teaches campers about basic dog obedience, animal care and
handling and issues impacting the welfare of animals. Other activities include
guest speakers, arts & crafts, journal writing, field trips, and other creative
games and programs. Tuition is $200. Scholarships available.
Carolyn Alexander
Jane Crowder
Cameron Brown
Joseph Myers
Jeanine Dwelly
Renee Casey
Robert Grier
Joseph Myers
D. Marin Reid
Frances Grimes
Judy Compton
Robert Korcheck
Ray Leonard
Elsie Schlaeger
Bud & Barbara Trulock
Grace White
Helen Humphries
Nancy Easler
Herbert & Audrey
Hampton
Ruth Bridges
Kay Holcombe
Kimberly Walker
Susan Hughes
Jenny Parris
Helen Humphries
John D. Moore, Jr.
Lynda Leonard
Julie Kirby
Gaines H. Mason
Virginia Jones
Nancy G. McGill
Josh & Stephanie
Barnhill
Ken & Mary Norton
Dora Harrell
Jenny Parris
Susan Hughes
Vernon & Sylvia
Patterson
Jane Crowder
Becky Pennell
Jane Crowder
Ueli Schimd
Marina Kakouras
Glyn Shackelford
Donna Melton
Connor Smith
Kyle & Jodie Thomas
Spartanburg Animal Clinic
Margaret Monroe
Audie & Buffy
Lee & Marie Linder
Buffy IV
Gere & Diane Ablett
Gracie
Juliette Gilmore
Krissi & Scarlet
Linda Kay Foster
Molly’s 13th Birthday
Candice Thomason
Rosie
Barbara Leaphart
Sugar & Angel Brazil
Steve Brazil
Tobi & Bailey
Mary Montgomery
Lori’s enthusiasm for her furry friends
at the SHS is so contagious that it
Lori and Jillie delivering a new batch of pillows.
wasn’t long before her husband Terry
A stuffed animal models one of Lori’s original
had signed up to volunteer, too. Most
dog coats.
Sunday’s you will see Lori and Terry
out walking dogs around the shelter grounds. Lori and Terry also welcome SHS critters
into their home as dedicated foster parents.
It’s hard to imagine now, but for months Lori Connorton was known to us only as the
“Pillow Lady.” One day, out of the blue, she showed up at the SHS bearing gifts of
handmade dog and cat beds for our Save-A-Pet Store. Lori explained that she would
create the wonderful pet pillows for us to sell AND she would donate 100% of proceeds
to the SHS. The really great news is that she kept coming back!
We were always excited to see the Pillow Lady, not just because of her wonderful
works of art, but because every time she visited she would light up the lobby with her
smile and energy.
The beds were a big hit and she even started filling special requests – “that kind of
material, but for a much bigger dog,” “that size, but something that a cat would like.”
She has since expanded her line to include unique dog clothes and fancy collars.
She hasn’t stopped smiling and it is always a gift to see her. We are so inspired by
the way Lori shares her special talents with homeless animals that we wanted to pass
it on!
Camp Love-A-Pet
Grades 5 - 7
June 9 - 21
July 7 - July 19
Grades 8-10
July 28 - August 9
NEW! Mini Session for Grades 3 - 4, July 21-25, 3pm - 5pm ; Tuition is $65.00
Registration forms available at the
Humane Society and online or e-mail
[email protected] for a copy.
For more info call 864-583-4805, EXT 113.
THANK YOU
Katie Jakubchak
Kelly Birch
Richard & Jennifer
Eitel
Candace Elmore
Peyton Elmore
Margaret Punch
Ronald & Ann Seto
James Alspaugh
Faith Alspaugh
Hans Balmer
George Meyer
Peggy White Biggers
Sandra Ackerman
Ben & Barbara Bell
Marshall Bird
Randall Bishop
Sallie Eskew
Thomas & Phyllis
Fullbright
Phillip & Anne Marie
Glover
Todd Hall
James & Rita Hill
Minnie Human
Interstate Contract
Cleaning Services,
Inc.
Anne McCuen
Lisa McLendon
Sara Mullins
Ronald & Anne Nail
Jeannine Sakal
David Stokes, Jr. M.D.
Miriam Stone
Dr. Charnet Bramlett
Wallace Johnson
Lowell Brennen Bridges
Carol Arnett
Marshall & Doris
Brown
Randall & Lynn Collins
Inman First Baptist Church
Jack Mulvaney
Catherine Rolen
Jacquelyn Shehan
William Bryan
Jeff Gadd
Michelle Sexton
Donald & Cynthia
Smith
Grace Buckner
Marge & Marie Nigro
Carolyn Black Burgess
Lorraine Green
Joline Wallace Carlisle
Elizabeth Beeson
Betsy Burrell
J.M. Carlisle, Jr.
Dot Group, LLC
Dot Packaging Group,
Inc.
Lucy Grier
Leo & Barbara
Hanning
Elizabeth Irwin
F. Lyles
Mr. & Mrs. Maxey
Lynn, Jr.
Carolyn Pennell
Summit Hills, LLC
David & Peggy
Truscott
Beth Chatfield
Betty Bramlett
Robert A. “Robby” Clary
Libby Deal
Doris Glenn
Janice Griffin
P. James
Ozelle Lancaster
Kim Seebeck
Mr. & Mrs. James
Smith
Margaret Sisk Dellinger
Tom & Cathy Lands
Martha Murdoch
Bill & Becky Owens
Ricky Tanenbaum
Sam W. Dillard, Sr.
Mary Dillard
Byah Doxey
Caroline Alexander
Tommy Dunaway
Constance Miller
Continued on page 4...
3
Memorials & Honors
Michael Carl Duvall
John & Mable Hallum
Gwen Emory
Ruby Bearden
Reynold Nitsch
Donald “Don” V. French
Kenny & Vivian
Coggins
Thomas Gibbons
R.M. Kollmeyer
Betty Vorisek
White Oak Pharmacy,
Inc.
Randy Lee Fisher
Betty Vorisek
Mrs. Doris C. Garner
Dale King
Heath C. Gibson
Carl Gibson, Jr.
Mary Frances “Pete”
Grimes
Lucia Balmer
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Brunson
Marguerite Cassels
Sandy Christiansen
Patricia Corn
Karen Cox
Natalie DiGiacomo
Stephen, Virginia, &
Martha Gore
Shirley Jones
Christopher Lovdahl
Dianne Martin
Dan & Linda McCall
Jackie Timms
White Oak Estates
Apartments
Winston Hardegree
James & Jane Bagwell
Dagmar Binovec
Evelyn Crowe
Anna Epps
Walter & Barbara
Hays
Janet Ludwick
Alan Lyles
Nona Neal
The Frame Up
Charles Henderson
Marina Kakouras
Kimberly Maxwell
Henson
Alexa & Gavin
Anderson
Lisa Baird
Annette Boan
Leslie & Rick Cole
Dana Cooke
Ginger Davis
Troy & Margie Davis
Barbara Finch
Marguerite Greenway
Thomas & Nancy
Henson
Karol Hodge
IAFF Local 3819
Angela Nodine
Charles Nodine
Spartanburg
Professional
Firefighters
Association
Janet Suttles
John & Jennifer Taylor
Lois Weatherly
Macie Hill
W. Carrington
Edmunds
Joseph Hines, Jr.
Carolyn Alexander
Ronald Colvin
E. Mack Horton
Janet Horton
Mr. Rhonda Eugene
Johnson
Bert Poole
Mack Poole
Marion Yvonne Sapp
Livingston
Marilyn Clarkson
Elizabeth Edwards
Fresh Market
Wesley Hammond
Jo Willa Lopez
John Murphy
Kathryn Pack
Nick & Meredith
Papadea
Nancy Parks
James Proctor
Martha Ramsey
Samuel Shackelford,
Jr.
Spartanburg County
Adult Education
Landra Spieth
Martha Sprouse
Betty Thomas
James Williamson, Jr.
Lisa Lussier
Staff at Regional
Pediatrics
Frances Morrow
Anne Bailey
Concept Packaging
Group
Gerald & Gayle
Chastain
Decanter Diversified
Machine, Inc.
Kusters Zima
Corporation
Ronnie & Laura M
McCraw
Moore Machine
Works, Inc.
Dana Mullinax
Brad & Georgiana
Carter
Jeanne Sluder Mulvaney
Randall & Lynn Collins
Jeanne Dwelly
Dale Evans
Jack Mulvaney
Kathleen Mulvaney
Joan & Kathy Neal
Joseph & Arlynn Neal
Warren & Sara
Reddish
Alice Sluder
Three Pines Ladies
Golf Association
Joseph & Mary
Weinberger
Harold O. Perry
US.3 Facility
Personnel Michelin
North America
Oliver “O.L.” Ponder, Jr.
Katrina Austin
Lewis Bragg
Angie & Bruce
Graham
Dale Kelly
Mill Village Lodge No.
360 AFM
Lawrence Oliver
Ginette Millot Reaves
Patricia Corn
Jerry & Julia Dillard
John & Julia McSwain
Joe Wayne Robbins
Mr. & Mrs. Frank
Marco
Peggy Shealy
Cheryl Monk
Continued on page 7...
4
Celebrating the Life of Frances Grimes
SHS founder, Mary Frances Grimes,
known to many friends as “Pete,”
passed away on April 9th, exactly
44 years to the day that she signed
the papers of incorporation for what
would become the Spartanburg
Humane Society.
We are at a loss to fully describe
the impact of Frances’ life on this
organization, the animals it serves,
on our community, and on the lives
of everyone she touched.
To hear it from Frances, she just
“showed up at a meeting” in 1963
Frances Grimes 1922 - 2008
and raised her hand when someone
asked for volunteers who would step forward to organize a humane society in
Spartanburg. We know better.
Frances led the charge to create an organization with the mission of giving shelter and
protection to homeless and unwanted animals. In 1964, when displaced animals were
viewed as little more than pests that did not deserve compassion or kindness, this was
an audacious endeavor met with skepticism and derision.
Fortunately, Frances Grimes wasn’t deterred by “that kind of nonsense.” Under her
uncompromising leadership, SHS, then operating as the Spartanburg Animal Welfare
League, found the money, land, and people necessary to build the county’s first animal
shelter in 1967. For many years after, she ran the shelter (while also working more
than full time as the owner of a medical laboratory) with only the help of a small cadre
of volunteers. There were times early on where, if not for her persistence, the doors
would have closed.
Nobody told stories about the old days like Frances. She remembered with disgust
what it was like before there was a Humane Society. She remembered the struggle to
keep the doors of the shelter open when there was no support and no money. Frances
also remembered every milestone. Perhaps because she knew firsthand how far we
had come, she celebrated our progress more fully and more completely than anyone.
Frances expected the best from the SHS, and that is why her unfailing support and
encouragement meant so much. We will miss the thrill of hearing that she is “tickled”
by a new program or service, and we will miss hearing that she is proud of us and the
work we do for animals.
We know that she would not want us to spend time mourning her death – but we miss
her – her stories, her incredible sense of humor, and her inspiring approach to life.
More than anything, we are grateful for the privilege of knowing her and for the honor
of carrying on her legacy.
Thank you, Frances. We will never forget you, and we will continue to make you proud
of the wonderful organization you created.
Ready for their close ups!
Check out online video of pets of the week at www.spartanburghumane.org.
If a picture is worth a thousands words, imagine the impact of video!
Every week, video clips of SHS dogs, cats, and other critters will be
featured on our website.
Starving Horses Find a Second Chance
Continued from Page 1...
veterinary school at the University of Georgia, he is taking baby
steps toward recovery and we are all still holding out hope for
the little colt.
These horses were saved by an incredible team effort. Their
tragic situation was reversed by a powerful chain reaction.
Concerned citizens had the courage to bring the situation to the
attention of animal control. SHS staff and a team of dedicated
equine volunteers acted quickly and expertly to bring them
to safety. And now their adoptive families will make sure the
horses receive the care and attention they need and deserve.
When The Scoop
went to press, 12
of the 16 horses
(and two new foals)
had been adopted.
Four remain at the
foster farm, where
they will continue
The reaction from the community was also remarkable. We
received hundreds of calls from animal lovers who were
touched by the horses’ story. Many friends and supporters,
including the Foothills Humane Society, stepped forward with
generous donations to help support their care. The ASPCA
also awarded the SHS an emergency grant to help cover feed
costs and medical expenses. Dr. Davidson and staff at SAC
were a tremendous help and made sure the horses received
exceptional and affordable medical care.
to receive excellent
care and training
while they wait for
their new homes. If
you would like to see these horses, please visit the large animal
adoption page of our new website, www.spartanburghumane.org.
Photos by M. Stott
The SHS team made
Oreo and the rest of
his herd happy to be
horses again!
Michelle Stott is without a doubt the MVP of this special team. Her
compassion, dedication, and amazing work is only matched by
her modesty. But we cannot let her efforts go unacknowledged.
Thank you, Michelle, for giving your heart and soul to these
horses every day (and many long nights).
Thanks again to everyone who came forward to give these
horses the happy ending they deserve. Join us in celebrating
their renewed health and promising future.
Thank You, Senator Hawkins!
Last year, Senator John Hawkins, a champion of anti-cruelty initiatives in South
Carolina, urged the SHS to submit a grant proposal to the state outlining our plan to build a cruelty prevention and investigation
department. In January, Senator Hawkins presented the SHS with a check for $100,000 for these efforts.
This grant brings us more than halfway to our financial goal needed to build this program. After we secure the remaining funds, we
will be able to move forward with our plan to respond directly to calls from community members who suspect instances of animal
cruelty or neglect.
Join us in thanking Senator John Hawkins for his ongoing commitment to combating and preventing animal cruelty throughout South
Carolina and for his significant contribution to animals in the Spartanburg community.
Exciting New Features:
WE’VE GOT A NEW HOMEpage...
AND AN ALL NEW WEBSITE!
www.spartanburghumane.org
Visit us today!
Video footage of pets of the week
Online registration for classes
Shop online at our E-Tail Boutique
Info about pets for pet owners
Up-to-date info on SHS services
5
Volunteer Spotlight: A Family Affair
A special group of SHS volunteers have managed to bring
new meaning to the concept of spending quality time
together! Husbands and wives, parents and their adult
children volunteer together, sharing their passion for animals
with each other and with grateful critters (and grateful SHS
staff members).
this dynamic duo and their rescue Dachshund, Gus, visiting
with patients at Spartanburg Regional Hospital Systems.
Bob & Mary Peasley, Brendan & Maggie Delaney, and
Jackie Powell and her mom Dorothy Foss all decided to
become registered in AAT together, teaming up to brighten
the days of residents in local long term care facilities.
Jonathon and Kim Hoke’s registered therapy dog, Milo,
prefers to help Humane Education Coordinator Ingrid Norris
spread the word about responsible pet ownership at schools
and events in Spartanburg County.
D. Bellows
Ed & Deb Gentry volunteer weekly to help out at the Good
Dog Academy. Another Mom and Daughter duo, Kathy and
Kara Dowling travel to the shelter together and then divide
and conquer challenges like laundry and the paper room.
Staff and volunteers at our spring Neuter-a-thon were very
happy to see Aaron and Jaci Freeman, who agreed to take
the afternoon clean-up shift!
Jim and Lynn Haller
On any given weekend you will find Jim and Lynn Haller,
long time volunteers, getting our canine friends out for some
fresh air and exercise. In addition to walking dogs together,
Derek & Susan Wetter and Terry & Lori Connorton also
share their homes with critters in need of foster care.
Wetter Family
The SHS Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program offers a
great way for families to volunteer together. Mother and
son team Holly & Phillip Watters were one of the first to be
registered as an AAT team through the SHS. You will find
Derek and Susan Wetter with foster dogs Tyr and Loki
We even have family trios. Shirley Lanning and her two
adult children, Natasha Mills and Brandon Kilpatrick, and
Bob and Janet Curry along with their adult daughter, Monica,
have all made volunteering at the SHS a family affair!
K. Adkins
If you and a special person in your life are interested
in joining our family of volunteers, please contact
Amy Freeman at (864) 583-4805, ext. 108 or e-mail
[email protected].
Brendan and Maggie Delaney with their dog Sarah
Learn more about our rewarding volunteer program and
about all the ways you can help the SHS help animals on
our new website: www.spartanburghumane.org
Save the Date! Tour de Paws — Our annual ride for the animals!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
6
Congratulations Graduates!
N. DiGiacomo
The SHS’s Good Dog Academy is proud to announce
the successful commencement of our inaugural
Canine Manners and Puppy Preschool classes! A
total of 40 puppies and dogs graduated from the
Academy’s first round of classes, which started in
January.
As part of our graduation ceremonies, dogs and
owners strutted their stuff in several skill testing
games, including Musical Sit, Longest Stay, and the
Loose Leash Walking Race. Our longest stay for
Heidi Rush shows off her
this session was just over 1 minute, and the fastest
graduation certificate!
time to cover 30 feet in the race hovered around 4
seconds! In the end, everyone was a winner and everyone had plenty of reasons to
be proud of their pet. Congratulations to ALL of our graduates!
We are currently enrolling students in Puppy Preschool, Super Puppy, Canine Manners,
and Advanced Canine Manners. For more information on class options or to register
online, visit www.spartanburghumane.org!
ME-WOW!
Theatergoers of all ages played a life-sized board
game in the lobby of the David Reid Theater,
starting off as a cat who was finding its way into
a loving home.
As participants navigated the
Patrons had fun with our giant
game board, they learned about responsible cat
board game
ownership, moving ahead for landing on squares
such as “You got spayed or neutered!” or moving backwards after landing on squares
such as “You are left outside to roam free.” Staff and volunteers also manned an
educational table with information about SHS services. This unique collaboration
offered a wonderful stage on which to engage and educate the public about these
amazing creatures who have the power to inspire poetry and music and who enrich
our lives with their presence.
Thank You SLT and CATS Lovers
K. Heath
S. Pitts
To our delight, the Spartanburg Little Theater
(SLT) invited the SHS to provide an educational
component to their production of “CATS” in March.
SHS Humane Education Coordinator Ingrid Norris
pounced on the opportunity!
As part of our collaboration, Spartanburg Little Theater
asked patrons to come to the show bearing gifts for cats
at the Humane Society. They even built a giant litter box
where theatergoers could deposit items such as cat food,
treats or toys. Monetary donations of $5.00 made possible
the purchase of Cat-E-Shacks for use in our cat cages. CatE-Shacks provide a form of feline enrichment in which cats
can choose to nap on the top loft or inside the snuggle area.
Through the generosity of the SLT, anyone who donated
an item for the “litter box” or who stopped by the SHS table
could enter into a drawing for one pair of 08-09 SLT season
tickets. Thanks to ALL who contributed and congratulations
to Bob Tillery of Simpsonville, who was the winner!
Memorials & Honors
Mrs. Sisk
Saul & Linda
Tanenbaum
Rev. Benjamin Smith
Dorothy Henry
Alan Wayne Sparrow
Judith Rhodes
Ruth Stevens
Lisa Neal
Elvie E. Stonell
Cherie Bailey
Ben Swenson
Nancy Couture
Missy Turner & Jack
Thomas Gibbons
Mrs. Ann Vandiver
Betty Bramlett
Paul Vaughn
Wanda Nix
Dr. Harold S. Vigodsky
Lee Johnston
Olin Dennis Weathers
Bethany Baptist
Church
Bob & Linda Steans
Betty Thomas
Abigail
Kim Curry & Joey
Blanton
Amos
Marguerite Beneteau
Angel
Fredrich Wenz
Bandit
Eva Hoover
Blackie
Carolyn Schumacher
Blue
Jimmy Smith
Brutus
Martha Justice
Bud
Faye Worley
Buffy III
Gere & Diane Ablett
Butch
Carolyn Schumacher
Cassandra
Jill Jones & Clif Flynn
Charlie
Bob & Linda Steans
Betty Thomas
Chase
Donald Coggins
Chico
Carolyn Schumacher
Cosmo
Jim & Tracy Smith
Dicey
Margaret Green
Dora
Amy Absher
Ernest
Ray Martin
Flip
Susan Lisk
Flower
Paula McDaniel
GI Joe
Martha Russell
Ginger Spice
Craig Bishop
Gus
Bruce Campbell
Jasper
Cherie Bailey
Kinsey
Mary Woodyard
Lucky
Sam, David & Scooby
Elliott
Maggie
Roy Fowler
Maude
Mary Bernard
Max
Barbara Staton
Max
Dorothy Jolly
Mollie
The Griers
Muttsie
Betty Dalhouse
Oliver
Dale Evans
Penny
Josephy & Mary
McConnell
Pepper
Grace White
Petey
The Griers
Pippin
Betty Griffin
Polo
Ellinor Ramsay
Puddin & Punkin
Russell & Marge Hart
Pumpkin
Ann Webb
Sammy
Carolyn Schumacher
Sidedish & Sage
Lori Bates
Skipper
Joyce Hartline
Sugar
Wanda Nix
Tilly
Jane Crowder
Winston
Timonty Hunt
Shadow Blestel
David McBride
Biskit & Harley Clary
Julie Clary
Trixie & Shadow Diehm
Michelle Watts
Clover Foerster
Mark & Keenan Mullen
Oscar & Moose Halstead
Keenan Mullen
Max Harrell
Joseph & Mary
McConnell
Tyger Hawkins
Joseph & Mary
McConnell
Bandit Jeffords
Joseph & Mary
McConnell
Mok-Mok, Buck, Barney,
Katie, Callie and
Blackie Johnson
Patrick Johnson
Cha-Cha Keesler
James Keesler
Ridley Lewis
Fredrich Wenz
Annie McCloskey
Maureen McCloskey
Dixie Moore
Patsy Hammett
CoCo Pierce
Frances Little
Lady Price
David & Susan Britt
Christi, Teddi, & Spooki
Shell
Kathryn Shell
Jersey Thomas
Amy Turner
Bear Tindall
Theresa Lassiter
Maude Elizabeth Walters
Susan Havird
Lion Wicker
David & Susan Britt
Tigger Yarborough
Mark & Keenan Mullen
7
Happy Tails
“Pennies for
Pets” Add Up!
Perfect Pair
Thanks, Ave Smith, Monrovia, MD
They contacted the SHS with
a plan to hold a donation drive
for the benefit of animals at the
shelter. They dubbed the project
“Pennies for Pets,” and endowed
it with a worthy mission -- “to bring
help to the helpless, homes to
homeless, and a hopeful future
to animals in our community.”
Hi,
Murphy Family
My name is Spock. I was adopted from Camp
Love-A-Pet about 3 years ago. I now live in
Texas with Michael and Megan and my two
doggie buddies Max and Maddie. I get to go to
the park for runs. Michael takes me out on the
boat and I swim in the lake. As you can see, my
favorite thing to do is to chill out on the couch.
Thank you, Camp Love-A-Pet for my new life.
Spock Murphy, Texas
Parker Byrd, Macy Tate, and
Keyleigh Wall, three students
enrolled in the Scholar’s Academy
at USC Upstate, all share a deep
love for animals. When posed
with the challenge of developing
a service project as part of their
work in the Academy, this team
knew exactly who they wanted
to serve!
Spock on his couch
Dear Friends at the SHS,
McGinty Family
Hi There! I am writing to thank you for taking
such good care of me while I was living with you.
Some kind soul found me as a stray, wandering
around in a field with no collar or microchip, and
they were thoughtful enough to take me in and
bring me to your wonderful haven for homeless
dogs. My mom had been looking for a dog like
me for weeks and was thrilled to see my profile
on petfinder.com. She drove to Spartanburg
from Charlotte to meet me. She was amazed at
Darcy with his proud mom,
how clean and well organized your shelter was
Gretchen
and thrilled at how kind and helpful the staff was.
We both have been very happy together since she brought me home. We want to say
thank you for all your hard work and if you are still in touch with that kind person who
found me please tell him or her how very happy I am in my new home and that I said
“God Bless you!”
All their hard work of securing
a location, advertising, finding
door prizes, booking media time
on the Jack and Kimberly show,
and running the event paid off in
more than 60,000 pennies. The
team collected over $600.00 and
a van load of donated items such
as food, paper products, towels,
dog and cat toys and cleaning
supplies.
Join the SHS in thanking these
bright
and
compassionate
young scholars for their energy
and dedication to stand up for
helpless and homeless animals.
Our future is brighter because of
young adults like Macy, Parker,
and Keyleigh.
Megan Janiskee
These are the most loving affectionate two. They
are obsessed with bugs. They have almost gone
mad trying to catch ants on the other side of the
windows. It is just a riot to watch them. They have
discovered birds, and are somewhat interested
in getting outside, but we have successfully kept
them in!! Thank goodness. They are always up
for doings with the girls!! It is so funny! We just
adore them! I can’t thank you enough, I am sure
you found us the perfect pair!!!
Ave Smith
Dear SHS,
Lots of hugs and kisses, Darcy McGinty
Send us your Happy Tails! Don’t be shy. We love to hear from our lucky shelter alums who’ve
found happiness in new homes and your special “tail” may be considered for an upcoming edition
of The Scoop. Send your stories and pictures to: SHS, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303,
c/o Happy Tails. Now you also can e-mail your stories and upload pictures for our online Happy
Tails Photo album on the adoption pages of our new website: www.spartanburghumane.org
8
Keyleigh, Parker, and Macy were
the engineers and energy behind
“Pennies for Pets”