During the week of October 6th I had the pleasure of visiting local shelters in my home state of North Carolina.  One of the shelters that I visited was Guilford County Animal Shelter in Greensboro, NC.  I was able to meet with Marsha Williams and Candice Hemrick who are devoted to animal welfare and making their shelter's pets a priority in their community.  The shelter currently receives 16,000 pets annually. 

I wanted to share some photos of my visit to their shelter and if you would like to find out more information about Guilford County Animal Shelter and how you can adopt, make a donation or volunteer please go to:  www.adoptshelterpets.org  They are currently in the process of raising funds to build a new shelter. 

Every person can make a difference in the lives of unwanted and homeless pets! 

Adopt a shelter pet and save a life. 

Entrance to shelter off of Wendover Avenue

   Entrance to shelter- artwork done by local schools- great way for students to get involved and learn about their local animal shelter

Boxer mix that was fostered for heartworms and emaciaton and now is available for adoption! 

Meet and greet area for prospective adopters to meet their new family member!

Just curious to know if anyone is attending this conference next week- September 17th-20th in San Diego, California.  If so, please let me know. 

I am looking forward to attending and meeting more animal welfare organizations and their staff.

Mary Bart Houston

Host of PetPoint Community

Take a moment and review our Forum in PetPoint Community.  The forum allows shelters to post and view policies and procedures amongst many other things.  It is a great way to share your knowledge with other animal welfare agencies and create better dialogue. 

The Humane Society of Treasure Coast has submitted their shelter policies and procedures to inspire others to do the same. 

Please keep in mind, the forum was created for shelters to allow you the means to post job openings, transport opportunities, shelter protocols- what works for you and what doesn't.  The forum is here to help you run your shelter or rescue to the best of your ability.  Take advantage and start posting. 

Thanks,

PetPoint Community Host - Mary Bart Houston

My Journey to North & South Carolina 

I began my trip at the Humane Society of Charlotte, North Carolina with Executive Director David Miller.  I received a warm reception by the staff and took at tour of the shelter.  By combining the efforts of the Humane Society of Charlotte and the county facility they have been able to increase adoptions and better the welfare of animals in their community.  Check out their gorgeous website: www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org

   An area where the dogs can enjoy socialization with people and other dogs.

         Next stop- Spartanburg Humane Society in SC

Spartanburg Humane Society is busy at work every day handling more than 15,000 animals annually.  The shelter is open seven days a week to handle and adopt animals to the public.  Spartanburg does an incredible job to adopt and promote rescuing animals within their community.  To view adoptable pets and how you can help check out: www.spartanburghumane.org  

Greenville Humane Society & Animal Control

Greenville Humane Society's facility is one of the most unusual and gorgeous facilities I've ever seen.  Their Humane Society focuses on adoptions while they share the facility with their county counterpart who receives the animals.  Both work together to ensure the best for the animals. 

 During my visit to Greenville I had the pleasure of meeting one of their veteran volunteers walking Spencer!  As you can see from the photo, Spencer and volunteer are enjoying their time together in the sun.  View ways you can help and adopt a shelter pet at: www.greenvillehumane.com  

Asheville bound...

Asheville Humane Society located in the mountains of North Carolina provides a scenic backdrop for one of the most breathtaking places in the South.  Asheville is launching a capital campaign to endorse their new facility which they hope to begin building within the next five years.  If interested in helping please contact Asheville Humane Society www.ashevillehumane.org to support their efforts in building a better place for the animals.

They need your help... volunteer, donate and adopt from your local shelter!!!

Like all non-profits, donations are grately appreciated to meet their mission statement to better the lives of the animals in their community.  Or if you are unable to contribute financially consider volunteering.  There are many ways you can make a difference! 

Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves...

Okay, people what gets you chatting?  Breed Specific Legislation, Puppy Mill Raids, overpayed employees who don't pull their weight, or the mundane day to day activities that may seem trite but are the root of the organization. 

It's your job to express your opinions and challenge others to do the same.  Let's get talking about things that are important in shelters and how with the help of all of us so we can make it better! 

I challenge you to chat...  Mary Bart Houston