As this year is winding down with shorter days and cooler temperatures, members of Patrick Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a small group of dedicated volunteers of a 501(c)(3) organization, take this opportunity to inform the public of PAWS’ accomplishments in the year 2016.
As of November 4, 61 dogs had been spayed or neutered using a PAWS voucher. The value of a voucher is $100 and all have been paid using donations from caring and generous citizens. The grant money we had some years ago ($15,000) has all been spent and no more is available. Many thanks to all who have helped with this.
In 2015, PAWS was involved in a lengthy suit against an individual charged with cruelty and neglect of eight dogs kept under extremely poor conditions. Several were in small crates or cages inside a hot outbuilding. These dogs were seized with a warrant by animal control. PAWS was able to foster four of the dogs and the other four were held at the Patrick County Pound, necessitating the euthanasia of other dogs to accommodate them.
Of course, this wasn’t done for free and this individual has moved to a distant state, owing Patrick County several thousand dollars. By PAWS’ steady and patient work with these dogs, most were adopted or accepted by rescue groups.
Several years ago PAWS bought and presented two digital thermometers, one to the sheriff’s office and one to the Patrick County Animal Shelter. Last year and this year we put up posters, handed out fliers an had spots on WHEO radio telling of the dangers of leaving animals in hot cars and to “leave dogs at home.”
On April 28, PAWS president Murphy Brown sent a copy of the law concerning animals left unattended in a hot car to The Enterprise for publication. On July 14, a dog was spotted in a locked car at the county administration building parking lot. The sheriff’s office sent an officer to investigate; a “slim jim” was used to open the car door. It was 97 degrees outside the car, 120 inside the car and even hotter around the dog.
Animal Control rushed to the dog to a local veterinarian for an examination and treatment. The dog’s owner was arrested that day. A trial was held in September and three sheriff’s deputies and the vet testified of the dog’s distress and grave condition. The judge ruled the dog’s owner guilty and added a $75 fine and court costs. The owner was also ordered to pay the $150 vet bill. Bringing such a case to trial and seeing the owner receive a guilty verdict was a first for Patrick County.
Beginning around Labor Day 2015, a pack of dogs was spotted in the Lowes Foods parking lot; several were nursing females. They didn’t seem a threat to people but the continuaal crossing of Rt. 8 was a problem for motorists. Some were injured in traffic and a couple were captured in traps. Two females were elusive and too smart to be trapped. An office employee worked for nearly a year feeding these two female dogs who had pups under an abandoned house. Eventually, three litters (13 pups) were caught and five of them were adopted through PAWS/Petfinder.com. The remaining eight were sent through Martinsville SPCA to North Shore Animal League, and a male went to a Bassett rescue group.
The mama beagle and her adult daughter were still on the loose. The daughter was found dead near the road, as previously reported in letters to The Enterprise.
All of the dogs sent to rescue groups had vaccinations and other tests done at PAWS’ expense. Only the five who were adopted brought in money to help pay for their expenses. PAWS members are truly grateful for those who continue to support their cause.
With more than $6,000 spent on spay/neuter this year plus the cost of vet care for the other dogs, PAWS is in desperate need of monetary donations to be able to continue its work of saving and improving animals’ lives. All donations are tax deductible (you’ll receive a receipt).
Donations in honor or memory or as a gift to someone are a good way to help PAWS and thank you cards and acknowledgments are provided. To mail a donation, send checks or money orders made payable to PAWS to P.O. Box 743, Stuart, VA 24171.
PAWS has a dog food assistance program (food in damaged packaging provided by Lowes and Walmart) and can furnish dog houses to those without shelter. Please call PAWS at 694-2378 for information and assistance.
Please be kind to animals. Those who guard our property and bring joy to us deserve our good care and love. Don’t forget to make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations (rabies vaccinations are mandatory for everyone’s safety).
Remember, all dogs over six months of age are required to be licensed; 2017 dog licenses went on sale in November. For spayed or neutered dogs licenses are $3 per year. The license and rabies tags are essential and help lost dogs be safely returned home.
On behalf of PAWS volunteers, I wish you a joyous holiday season.
Help us help them.
David A. Sheley
Secretary
PAWS
