In 1996 a group of individuals formed Georgia Heartland Humane Society (GHHS) to address the abuse and abandonment of companion animals in Coweta and Fayette counties. They based their mission on the belief that all life is sacred and that companion animals have a right to a pain free and peaceful existence. This nonprofit agency, comprised entirely of volunteers, has no permanent structure to support. Instead rescued animals are placed in foster homes until they are adopted.

On April 12, GHHS will hold its annual primary fund-raiser, Doggie Dash. Doggie Dash is a 5K walk which raises funds through pledges and brings together dogs owners and dog lovers.

Four-legged friends and their owners are encouraged to come out for this event and walk with others through Shakerag Park in Peachtree City. A shorter walk is planned for those who have less time. Participants will collect pledges from their family, friends and co-workers and offer those donations as they register for the walk at 9:30 a.m. Those who contribute pledges of $50 or more will receive a Doggie Dash T-shirt, which has been prized and collected by past Doggie Dash participants.

In planning Doggie Dash 2008, Chairperson Sheryl Tomberlin of Peachtree City emphasized the importance of the contributions of past participants.

“Without past Doggie Dash walkers and the donations from the community’s animal lovers, many animals would not have survived or would have lived lives of deprivation. Hundreds of families would never have found that special pet,” said Newnan resident Barbara Grosse, President of GHHS, echoing Tomberlin’s sentiment. She spoke of the importance of sharing some of the stories of rescued animals and their families, whose lives have been enriched as a result of GHHS supporters and donors.

Digger, the poster dog of Doggie Dash 2008, is a recent amputee. Owned by a man of limited means, Digger did not receive medical care when a car ran over his paw, crushing it entirely. Three weeks after Digger’s injury, his owner took him to a local veterinary clinic, asking that Digger be put down. By that time, Digger’s paw had literally rotted off, exposing the bones of his leg. Digger’s eyes expressed his despair and his excruciating pain. The vet considered two possible courses of action: to do as the owner asked or to seek the assistance of Georgia Heartland Humane Society. Digger and all those who have come to love him are grateful that the vet called GHHS, which arranged for Digger’s amputation. A sympathetic veterinarian performed the surgery, and Georgia Heartland will provide a foster home for Digger until he finds that special family who sees Digger as the only dog for them.

Christine Kilgore oversees the operational aspects of pet foster care and adoptions at GHHS. She is also a fierce advocate of those animals whom others would write off as unsalvageable or unadoptable. Georgie, a Rottweiler and Airedale Terrier mixed breed, was one of a five-pup litter of an unspayed, neglected mother. Over-bred, the mother increasingly produced offspring with physical disabilities. Georgie and his sister, Sophie, were born nearly blind and with neurological disorders. Sophie was adopted; and, in spite of her challenges, gives her new family as much joy as they give her. Georgie has found his special family right where he started with Christine and her husband, Pat. Sometimes GHHS volunteers find themselves becoming the forever family for a pet.

Jill Whisker, a long time GHHS volunteer, found Clifford at the county recycle center. The attendant liked the dog, fed him and named him Clifford because he had watched Clifford cartoons with his niece. Ever resilient, Clifford made the recycle center his home. The good hearted attendant fed him, but he wasn’t protected from the elements, other animals or disease. Clever Clifford found a way to avoid emotional deprivation. He became the unofficial greeter at the recycle center, with a special fondness for children. Tail wagging, always expecting the same affection would be returned, Clifford was eager to offer kisses and licks for a kind word and friendly pat. Jill thought Clifford deserved better, and a fellow volunteer, Keely Haynie, fostered Clifford. Both she and Jill were Clifford’s every day advocates until he was adopted by a Jesse and Keight Dukes. Jesse, the Youth Minister at Christ Church at Whitewater, Fayetteville, said, “Clifford is the best dog I’ve ever been around. Everybody loves him. He’s a big sweetheart.”

County and city dumps seem to be favored spots for people to rid themselves of unwanted animals. Many become fatalities of a disposable society, but Clifford escaped such a tragic end.

Clifford, Georgie and Digger and many more are all beneficiaries of the commitment of Georgia Heartland Humane Society, but as Barbara Grosse reminds, their lives were reclaimed by the generosity of those in the community who support GHHS with their donations and services.

Collecting pledges from friends, co-workers and family and bringing those donations to Doggie Dash on April 12 will help the next Digger, the next Georgie and the next Clifford. Registration packages are available online at www.gaheartland.com . Those who want to help abandoned and abused animals, but cannot walk Doggie Dash, may send contributions to Georgia Heartland Humane Society, P.O. Box 72197, Newnan Ga. 30271-2197. Georgia Heartland’s phone number is 770-830-2820.

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