Ripley County Humane Society rescues dog
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Harley is nearly ready for adoption, but the story could have been much different if he hadn't been rescued by the Ripley County Humane Society. Harley is a lab mix who has undergone surgery and is receiving extra TLC (tender, loving, care) at the humane society until someone can adopt him.

Responding to a call that there were some dogs in a home that needed immediate rescue, Judy Behlmer, a volunteer and Board President of PAAIN (People Assisting Animals In Need), found the neglect to be so great that one of the animals died the same night it was rescued. Two puppies were taken and placed in homes and then there was Harley. He had an old wound that had never been treated and many other problems due to neglect. He was taken to Veterinarian Harley Robinson (for whom he was named) who did surgery and saved his life.

Typically when a call about abuse or neglect is received, the owners of the animals are given a letter telling them they need to change things. That letter is followed up on by humane society members and if no change has been made, they take action. "We have a cooperative working relationship with the Sheriff's Department and that makes our job easier," noted Donna Huffmaster, RCHS director.

In this particular instance where Harley and others were removed, the RCHS was actually contacted through the 911 Communications Center. The complaint had been made by the Division of Family and Children services, who also removed children from the home.

The medical costs to take care of this rescue ran over $1200.00. That money was funded by PAAIN. "That's a lot of money just because someone neglected their pets," noted Huffmaster. She noted that PAAIN is happy to help the Ripley County Humane Society partly because of the great job Christie White does as the Operations Manager. "She really loves her job and it shows," she noted.

While members of the humane society are not licensed in animal control, they can remove dogs or cats from homes if they are requested to with the assistance of a police officer. They don't have the staffing or training to go out and pick up stray animals, but if space is available they will take them in. If space is not immediately available, the animals will be put on a waiting list, "usually a short period of time," according to White.

The humane society also works cooperatively with the county's dog warden and take animals from him on a regular basis. Last year 712 animals passed through the shelter. Many found homes in Ripley County, but others found homes through a variety of venues.

Huffmaster explained that programs such as K-9 Express and Pets Alive Transport, allow them to take animals to other states where they have spay, neuter laws that keep the animal population low. "People are ready and willing to get these pets and give them great homes," she continued.

Dogs and cats brought to the RCHS have a short stay there, usually between 30-45 days. People contact the organization through the Internet and just recently a lady from Michigan drove down to pick up a pet.

Board member Rae Koester invites the public to come out and look at the improvements. "It's a great, fun place to volunteer and support," she noted.

Volunteers are making a difference in the care the animals are given. "We have great volunteers...when you have an extra set of hands it really makes a difference," noted White, adding they could use some "cat lovers" to volunteer in Kitty City where the cat population is housed.

Anyone can support the organization by becoming a member. It only costs $25.00 for a family membership and $10.00 for a single for an entire year. The RCHS is funded through donations and endowments. They are a non-profit organization so any donations made can be a tax deduction.

You can visit the RCHS's website at: www.rchumane.org. The humane society is located between Versailles and Osgood just off US 421. The address of the shelter is 1202 W CR 150 North, Osgood, 47037.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Christie White, operations manager at the Ripley County Humane Society poses with Harley, who is recovering from hip surgery. He is nearly ready for adoption.