Jan 30, 2015 4 min read

Anyone who has pets knows that the financial responsibility is ongoing and fluctuates from day to day. Such is the case for the caretakers tasked with providing adequate food, veterinary care and other necessities to hundreds of cats and dogs at the Greene County Humane Society shelter.

The funding stream that contributes to the shelter’s annual operating budget of roughly $250,000 varies from year to year. Typically, money comes from private donations and the tireless work of volunteers who raise funds, and extreme weather conditions add to the need.

So, society director Jane Gapen was especially grateful when she received a visit this week from Franklin Township secretary Carol Kraft, and supervisors Reed Kiger and John Higgins. Kraft and Kiger both served on the society’s board of directors and all three are self-proclaimed animal lovers. The trio was there to present Gapen with a check.

“We, on occasion, find ourselves in situations where we need (the Humane Society’s) help. We’d be in deep trouble without them,” Kiger said.

“Who would we call?” Kraft added. It was Kraft who voiced this question out loud at a previous gathering that included township supervisors from Greene County.

“It would be our problem to figure out what to do,” Kiger responded.

Apparently, Kraft’s question at the gathering made an impact.

“We got a good response from that,” Gapen said, noting a large increase in contributions from townships that had previously not provided support. “From the smallest to the largest townships, we are thankful for whatever they are able to give. Every little bit helps.”

As townships across Greene County benefit from the services of the humane society in helping with stray cats and dogs, as well as those who are being abused or neglected, it stands to reason each of these municipalities should share in the society’s support.

Historically, Franklin Township, where the shelter is located, has been very supportive of the society, Gapen noted, adding she did not want to slight any of the other municipalities that contribute, some of which choose not to be publicly recognized, she said.

“They (the Franklin Township supervisors) are like part of our founders. They’ve been instrumental in keeping a firm foundation for us financially,” she said. When the former shelter was undermined in 2001, causing subsidence, Franklin Township helped clear some of the hurdles of building at the present location, Gapen added. A 40-year lease agreement with the county, at no cost to the society, has also been a huge help.

“You want to recognize everyone and thank everyone for their help. The need is so great,” she said.

Kiger, Higgins and Kraft shared some of the horror stories of animal abuse they’ve personally been involved with throughout the years, remedied with the help of the GCHS. Even amid some of the worst of these situations, there arose stories of triumph with some of the animals pulling through.

They acknowledged the costs involved in each of those cases and their shared belief in the need for their fellow townships and the public at-large to remember the GCHS in whatever way possible.

Not all donations to the society need to be financial. Old newspapers, clean blankets, towels and sheets are always needed.

Priority items include quality canned and dry foods for cats and dogs, feeding bowls for both, cat litter and boxes, and small pet carriers. Even office supplies, like copy paper, pens and pencils, make a difference.

As temperatures continue to drop to freezing, Gapen is reminding pet owners to be aware of how long their pets are left outdoors. Hypothermia is a serious threat to dogs, especially those who are kept outside routinely. There are many factors that will contribute to how the cold affects different breeds and sizes of dogs, including health conditions, nutrition and age.

Those donated blankets, towels and sheets become more valuable when a stray dog or cat finds its way to the Route 188 shelter this time of year.

What seems like a small donation becomes much larger when looking at the bigger picture, Gapen said.