Laura Dean Bennett
Staff Writer
It was all paws on deck last Saturday as the Humane Society of Pocahontas County and the Pocahontas County Animal Shelter welcomed the community to an open house adoption day.
There was HSPC merch – hats, T-shirts, water bottles, bags, stuffed toys and leashes – available for sale, with all the proceeds going to benefit the work of the HSPC, of course.
Local artist Joy Cooper brought her hand-painted notecards and animal portraits, which were selling like hot cakes.
“We’re so pleased to have people come out to tour the “Cat House,” HSPC Executive Director Elissa Cavender said.
“It’s so nice to have a chance to introduce ourselves to the community this way.”
The open house was a family affair, with Cavender’s daughter, Olivia, sitting at the raffle table. Each of the many bags contained a gift certificate donated by local restaurants and businesses for the HSPC raffle.
Those making donations were Dari-Land, Greenbrier Grill, DirtBean, Shenna’s Nails, Alfredo’s, Glades, Appalachian Sport, Rivertown Café, Snowshoe Resort, Headwaters Salon and Mountain Medicine.
Of course, the stars of the Cat House show were the irresistible kittens waiting to meet the special folks who might take them into their hearts and homes.
One of those was a lady whose loss of her elderly cat had not only left a hole in her heart but had also left her 18 month old orange tabby at a loss for a companion.
“He’s lonely, so I came to look for a kitten,” she said.
“We hear these kinds of stories all the time,” HSPC president Sharon Filmer said.
“It’s great to see the happiness that these little fur balls can bring to people. This is a fun way for everyone to get to know us and have a chance to learn more about what we do.”
The HSPC is dedicated to helping the community with the spaying and neutering of pets which reduces the suffering of unwanted kittens and puppies, who so often become homeless strays.
“We’re grateful for the support of our community. We couldn’t do what we do without it,” Filmer added.
Right next door, the staff at the Pocahontas County Animal Shelter was also meeting and greeting the public.
Shelter Manager Mia Friel was thrilled to report that the shelter has had an amazing response to the appeal they made to the public in the last few weeks.
“The shelter was at capacity, and we were facing some really hard choices,” Friel said.
“Unfortunately, we’re not a no-kill shelter. There’s just a limit to how many dogs we can house. We can only keep 30 dogs in the shelter – well, there’s really room for 29 dogs – we have to keep one kennel open for a dog brought in on an emergency basis,” she explained.
“We were at capacity and needed some dogs to be adopted and I’m pleased to say, the community has really come to the rescue,” Friel said.
“And a good percentage of the dogs we found families for were dogs that were in the shelter for a really long time.
“We took 13 puppies to Pioneer Days and 11 of them were adopted. And we’ve already adopted out four dogs today, and four barn cats will be going to their new home next week,” she added, smiling.
The staff at the shelter works hard seven days a week to care for the animals who find themselves homeless – some neglected, some abused – all in need of a second chance.
“It’s great to know that our community cares about these animals. It makes it all worthwhile,” Friel added.
There are still more than 20 dogs at the shelter waiting to meet their new families.
The shelter staff is always pleased to welcome the public. The Pocahontas County Animal Shelter is located at 300 Second Avenue in Marlinton.
Shelter hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shelter visiting hours are usually 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekends by appointment.
Please call 304-799-4209.
For animal emergencies, please call county humane officers 304-799-4567.
