Rehoming the homeless is job one for Summers County’s Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc.(ACWP).
However, there is more the volunteer organization does around Hinton. Educating pet owners in proper pet care is another way the group promotes humane treatment for the furry population. The cold winter months are here and most dogs enjoy the comforts of a warm home. Unfortunately, it is not something that all dogs can count on.
Living outdoors full-time can be brutally cold. ACWP shared several tips to help keep outdoor companions warm, dry and safe. Animals need shelter outside, and sheds or dog houses should be bedded down with straw to retain heat and reduce moisture. Blankets might seem warm at first but easily get wet and dirty. Also, plug-in water buckets are essential in freezing temps.
In bitterly cold temperatures it is still suggested that outside dogs at least be overnighted in a warmer garage or other warm, dry shelter to reduce suffering from inhumane conditions.
2021 is expected to be another challenging year. Disruptions from COVID-19 shutdowns and quarantines heavily impacted the financial health of the ACWP.
President Cheryl Millers says last year started like any other year. The volunteers of the Summers County Humane Society focused on what they could do to make an impact on the animals of the county. A typical year starts with organizing fundraisers, applying for grants, and rehoming dogs and cats that need homes. While some dogs are rehomed within the state, many are transported to rescues throughout the east coast.
When the shutdown hit the only thing that changed for ACWP was the monthly board meetings. Even transports resumed within a matter of a few weeks. Volunteer drivers spend an entire day on the road to make sure any number of fur-kids are safely transported to their destination.
“We are volunteer drivers for ACWP because we love cats and dogs and also because second chances never go out of style,” says Sandra Morgan. Sandra and her husband Neil volunteer their time regularly.
Also apparent was the need in the community for dog and cat food distribution. A grant for $2,500 was secured to fund the Feral Cat TNR program and purchase discounted cat, dog and puppy food from a food bank in Maryland. Three times over the spring and summer volunteers distributing pet food were also able to hand out spay and neuter vouchers.
Not everyone knows that ACWP is a foster-based humane society. This means there is no shelter. Volunteers foster dogs in their homes and with the guidance of an adoption coordinator, dogs and puppies can be adopted out locally or go to rescues who help with the adoption process.
“I foster [dogs and puppies] for ACWP to be the voice and compassion for these beautiful fur babies. They deserve to be loved and have a place to call home,” foster volunteer Jody Shelton said.
Because dogs and puppies are not centrally located, volunteers must also transport them to veterinary appointments where they are examined, wormed, and spayed or neutered. ACWP works completely from donations, grants and fundraisers. This past years was particularly tight financially because no in-person fundraisers were permitted.
Lastly, it is with the help of Summers County’s Animal Control Officer and the Sheriff’s department that ACWP can do what they do. The volunteers of ACWP are not permitted to pick up stray dogs or enter homes or properties.
