Letters: "VRHS Must Not Fail"

Valley River Humane Society must not fail. I can remember, 6 or 7 years ago, when we had no Animal Control in Cherokee county. We couldn't drive to Murphy, without seeing someone's cat or dog killed on the four lane and packs of dogs were threatening people and attacking livestock.

Now the Humane Society has does Animal Control in Cherokee, Clay Graham & Swain Counties, for less money than it costs them. As well as Animal Cruelty investigations and dispositions of animals for no pay at all.

If you go to Cherokee County you'll notice, you rarely see a dead pet on the highways now, and reports of packs of dogs are few and very far between. Their Shelter Shuttle program has transported over 4000 dogs up north for adoption; because there are more strays here than local families that can adopt. The Shelter Shuttle Truck has 220,000 miles on it. A small group of Volunteers have set up a Rescue Operation at there own expense, where they send animals, a few at a time, to other Rescue groups around the United States.

The Shelter handles about 3000 animals every year. Their Veterinary Clinic Spayed or Neutered almost 2300 dogs & cats last year. They have a low cost/free spay and neuter program (Big Fix at 835-9070). They even have courteous & dignified cremations, for your beloved deceased pet. The Humane Society goes into the Schools to teach students about Spay/Neuter, and how to properly care for an animal.

The Thrift Shop alone, takes 30 Volunteers, just to keep their doors open. You can volunteer by going to the Thrift Shop (across from Eller & Owens furniture & the New Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant). They need Volunteers to run the cash register, or sort clothing & donated items. It's a beautiful store to shop in.

I don't think anybody knows how many volunteers help at the shelter. Some for an hour or so, days at a time, or schedule some time every week. The Shelter needs Volunteers for everything from walking dogs for a few minutes, to being a member of the Board of Directors. Vehicles & Buildings need to be maintained (Bill 644-0548). The Animal Shelter is in Marble, 5 miles past Wal-mart. You can go to either place and fillout a Volunteer application & let them know what you would like to do.

The Humane Society has had more good programs than they could afford, and they're in financial trouble. They're tightening up on all programs and operational expenses. They have a fund raiser coming up on the 17th of May at the United Methodist Church in Andrews. It is a Luau, with music and entertainment. The tickets are $16.00. To buy tickets please call Debbie at 389-6126, Jeanne at 837-1382, Lisa DiCuffa at 361-6060, any Board member, stop at the Thrift Shop or the Shelter. If you can't make the Luau, you can send a donation to VRHS, P.O. Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906. What ever you decide to do, don't let this opportunity pass you by. It's a chance to have fun, meet some nice people and really do some good. Please findsome way to help.

Thank you very much, Bill Appleton, Murphy.

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