Dogs and cats are on the move
RCHS remains no-kill shelter
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Last year more than 500 animals - dogs and cats- were moved through the Ripley County Humane Society's doors.

That's the word from those in charge of the society, who say, "We're a proactive organization that is here to serve the county and work cooperatively with all citizens." They also work cooperatively with Ripley County's new Dog Warden, Jim Lovins. He reported that in December of 2004, he did not have to euthanize a single animal because of the shelter.

DeDee Holliday, Osgood, who is a board member at the Humane Society, noted that she has never seen anyone with as many connections as Donna Huffmaster, who serves as the acting operations manager and a volunteer. "She works about 70-80 hours a week," noted Holliday.

Huffmaster finds homes for animals in the county and when she needs additional homes, she arranges transports for animals to Buddy Dog Humane Society, MA; Indy Humane Society, North Shore Animal League, NY; Ozaukee Humane, WI, and Plainfield Humane Society in IL.

"We are a sanctuary, not a shelter," noted Huffmaster, who takes the job seriously of never having an animal more than 45 days at the facility.

The Humane Society remains a "no kill" facility. Something Huffmaster is emphatic about is that the animals she ships out are going to homes, not to labs for testing. "There was a rumor that we sent animals to labs for testing purposes," she noted in a recent interview with the Osgood Journal. "That is and never was the case."

When animals are transported they have been vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and have a certificate of health to travel.

Animals that didn't have much of a chance to get a home can now be placed, according to Holliday. For instance a blind pup was recently sent to Louisiana, to a place that specializes in handicap animals.

The Batesville-based organization People Assisting Animals In Need (PAAIN), has recently revised their mission to become a fund raising and support vehicle for the Ripley County Humane Society. That was the word at the annual meeting for the society. It was further noted that PAAIN has pledged $500 a month for the general operation budget. They have been instrumental in supporting the facility through transporting and networking with other agencies to find great homes for animals.

How to lower the population

One of the goals of the society this year is to educate people about the importance of having their pets spayed and neutered. According to Huffmaster, in some states it's a law that all pets that are not licensed for breeding purposed be altered.

Huffmaster knows there are costs involved in having pets altered and says they will be offering a voucher program in the near future to help with those costs. The RCHS will partner with Pet's Alive out of Bloomington to provide the low cost clinic. The animals will be picked up at the shelter near Versailles, and brought back. Their owners will be given a certificate to follow up with a local veterinarian.

Volunteers needed

Volunteers are always welcome at the shelter. "Volunteers work with the animals, walking them, etc." noted Huffmaster. She noted that this is a good project for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to earn merit badges while learning the importance of pet care.

The shelter can always use laundry soap, cat litter, canned food and blankets. They are also in need of single shredded newspaper. A big need at this time includes a van or an old mini school bus that could be used to transport animals.

Fostering an animal is another way of volunteering. A foster caregiver gives a temporary home to an animal until it is adopted.

Sponsorship is a way to volunteer for those who cannot physically take an animal or come to the shelter to help out. They can pay for food or medical care for an animal until it is adopted.

The Neighborhood Reward Card Plan is another way of giving. This is a way of giving through shopping at Kroger. For more information on the plan contact the RCHS at 812-689-3773.

Non-profit organization looks for ways to generate revenue

The RCHS is a nonprofit 501(c) organization. Last year the budget was tight with total expenses coming to $32,419.57 with income totaling $32,973.63.

The group is not afraid of having fundraisers to help defray costs and have plans for a Silent Auction, Strutt Your Mutt Walk, Garage Sale, and Dog Wash.

The RCHS has applied for grants from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation, PetsMART Charities, DJ&T Foundation, and PETCO Charities.

Some Township Trustees have come on board and donated through their funding to the RCHS. Those townships are: Center, Delaware, Otter Creek, Shelby and Johnson, according to Holliday. The only way the society has of taking in county funds is .50 cents per dog tag. Last year that amounted to $207.00.

Where do I take a stray?

Calls are handled on a case-by-case basis. The RCHS doesn't go out and pick up animals. Officials from the society note that strays need to be handled through the proper channels for many reasons, among those safety and disease. In Ripley County you can call 812-689-5555 for the dog warden; in Batesville you can call 934-4393 or 934-3131.

Huffmaster noted that the facility cannot take any dogs with Pit Bull or any element of Pit Bull in them due to insurance policies. For animals accepted at the shelter there is an intake fee of $20.00 (as space permits).

How do I adopt?

According to Huffmaster, it's easy. You will need to file an adoption application that is available at the shelter. It requires personal references and veterinarian references for any pets you already have. The fees are $50 for cats and $70 for dogs. This includes the animal being spayed/neutered, having shots and testing for heartworm.

More about RCHS

The RCHS is located on US 421 three miles south of Osgood on County Road 150. Hours of operation are weekdays from 4-6 p.m. and weekends by appointments. People are welcome to visit the shelter during operation hours.

"It's all about the animals," noted Huffmaster, who concluded that they just want a facility Ripley County can be proud of, a model for other counties.

For more information you can visit the RCHS's website at www.rchumane.org where you can look at animals available for adoption. If you would like to make a cash donation it can be sent to 1202 West County Road 150 North, Osgood, IN 47037. You can also call the shelter for additional information at 812-689-3773.