Wednesday, June 18, 2003

The Fayette Humane Society is celebrating its 30th year of operation in the county. Most of you know us as the group that performs pet adoptions at the Fayetteville PetsMart on Saturdays. What many of you don't know is that for 30 years our primary mission and focus has been to advocate responsible pet ownership through our proactive spay/neuter program.

We can claim credit for financially assisting owners with the spaying and neutering of literally thousands of pets, as well as all the animals who go through our adoption program. Our continued success is the result of many individuals and groups, and we'd like to take a moment to say "Thank You" to all those who have supported us.

· To all our loyal, dedicated volunteers who have assisted with pet adoptions, helped raise needed funds, answered the phones and stuffed countless envelopes, fostered animals and all the other thankless jobs that needed doing to keep the Society operating.

· To our faithful donors, who recognize the necessary services we provide to the community and generously give of their money to keep the work going.

· To the Fayette County and area veterinarians, who we rely on in so many ways. They have been there to assist us with all sorts of services. They have performed routine exams and spay/neuter procedures on literally thousands of our adoption animals over the years. They have participated in our discount spay/neuter program offered to pet owners; are never too busy to "fit us in" when we call, and have been our staunch partners in our mission of advocating responsible pet ownership.

· To the intrepid members of the community who have taken in unwanted strays, and either kept them as their own pets or placed them through our adoption program.

· Finally, to all our adoption families over the years who have opened their hearts and homes to the pets no one else wanted. They have saved a life, and have discovered how enriched their own lives have become because of the experience.

The Fayette Humane Society's presence in the community is predicated on the continued support of all these people and groups. We are chronically short of funds, of volunteers and of foster homes. If you have a heart for animals, we can certainly find a place for you.

Kathy F. Taylor, President

Fayette Humane Society

[The nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to animal welfare is not affiliated with Fayette County Animal Control, or the county shelter.]