Animal advocates seeking donations
By Joey Pitchford
Published in News on May 15, 2016 1:45 AM
For the Wayne County Animal Advocates, a life saved is a victory earned.
The non-profit group works with the Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center to raise funds and gather supplies that the center cannot lobby for itself. The group was awarded the Governors Volunteer Service Award in 2016. They have paid for vet visits, transported animals to various rescues, and held a "spay day" where they spayed and neutered 15 dogs to reduce the numbers of strays brought through the center doors each year.
The shelter currently houses about 70 dogs and at least as many cats.
Right now, the main project for the group is gathering donations to purchase Kuranda beds for the animals. Kuranda beds are raised, cot-like beds which get the animals off the hard concrete floor of the shelter. They currently sleep on pallets which offer more comfort than the floor, but are still far from ideal.
The WCAA is looking to raise money for 50 dog beds and 20 cat beds, to accommodate the larger animals who sleep on the floors and may have disabilities which make it more painful. The beds aren't cheap. Dog beds run for $99 a piece while the cat beds are around $45.
WCAA member Krista Suddueth said that in addition to social media campaigns, the group intends to hold a number of dedicated fundraising events in the coming months to support the center. A yard sale has been planned for June 4 at the center.
"One thing we'd like to do is have a movie under the stars at Waynesborough Park." Mrs. Suddueth said. "We have the equipment and the permission to do it, so once we have someone who can set the equipment up we'll decide on a date and a movie."
Mrs. Suddueth said that community events like this will help the shelter immensely. Located at 1600 Clingman St., the shelter is tucked away out of easy sight, so being outside and visible whenever possible has been vital to getting people to visit.
Mrs. Suddueth said that, for her, the shelter is a place to turn sad stories into happy memories.
"People don't want to come here because they think it's too sad." she said. "It is sad, but there are a lot of high moments, and that's what keeps us coming back."