Animal shelter gets helping hands for its paws

By Carolyn Reid

Saturday morning, March 4, was filled with activity at the Pendleton County Animal Shelter as around 10 kids joined adult supervisors to spend the morning cleaning kennels and the shelter itself as well as loving the dogs who reside there. The youth of Falmouth Church of God, located on Lightfoot Fork, volunteered that beautiful morning to serve the shelter.

Ashley Messmer, the youth minister for the congregation, and pastor Chris Williams made sure to say that the whole thing was the kids’ idea.

Williams said they just started a youth group in their congregation that runs in the forties. “We suggested bowling or some fun activity, and they wanted to do something that would help the community,” Williams said.

Margie, a member of the youth group, said the shelter was her friend Abi’s idea. Abi’s sister worked at the shelter, and she would join in to help then because she was homeschooled and could do so. When she suggested it, Messmer arranged it.

The girls were hovering over a double sink washing dog bowls and other items. Both seemed at home as they worked. Abi said, “The dogs here are really nice.”

They are really loud, as well. They barked in appreciation for the company all the while Animal Control Officer John Bloomfield and Shelter Manager Taryn Collier talked about the help. Collier had worked with Messmer to arrange the morning.

“Most people reach out to volunteer personally,” Collier said. “The church reached out to bring a group to volunteer. We are overwhelmed by all the help.

Bloomfield echoed his appreciation, too, even as he worked to give dogs a home. Two dogs were adopted out, one as the Outlook was on site. A stray was also brought in.

Both Collier along with Barb Edwards, the helper who does publicity to show off the dogs, kept the inside group hopping while Bloomfield directed a group on the outside.

Williams and Messmer both talked proudly about the young people who preferred to show love to their community over just doing a fun outing, and Williams said they are reaching out to other organizations and places to help out.

The adults even got involved by sending donations to the shelter, something that Bloomfield also appreciates.

Currently, the shelter has 14 dogs who need homes. Please contact the shelter at 859-654-5400, or see Facebook for pictures and stats on available dogs.