Long-time volunteer is remembered, celebrated

It is with great sadness and undying admiration that the staff and volunteers of the Fayette County Animal Shelter and members of the Fayette County Humane Society mark the passing of dedicated volunteer, past-president, Fayetteville resident and beloved “2-legger,” Elaine Sherwood. Elaine passed away on January 26, 2008 following a valiant battle with lung cancer.

Past and present county shelter staff, humane society volunteers and board members and friends recall that her active involvement with the organization and shelter began as a volunteer. She served as secretary of the Fayette County Humane Society before becoming president in 1983, a position she held until retiring her post in 1996. She remained an active supporter of the Fayette County Humane Society even after resigning office.

During her tenure, Elaine helped take the group to a new level with her personal exuberance combined with her ability to keep the tasks of fundraising and daily operation of the shelter both fun and exciting for those willing to volunteer their time. Shelter members will tell you there wasn’t anything Elaine wouldn’t do to further the efforts of the shelter and the humane society.

Her laid-back manner made all the work she did look effortless. There were presentations to be made to community and civic groups, membership drives, planning for spay and neuter clinics and adoption open houses. There were pet portraits, flea dips, cookbooks and flea markets. Running all the programs this small group offered required a president and board with a lot of organizational skills and patience. Elaine juggled the many community requests that came to the humane society along with the need to keep members active and involved. Recruiting new members and volunteers was always a priority as well. Elaine was somehow able to tackle the difficult, hands-on, income-producing projects, so vital to the continuation of the group, while making the hardest work enjoyable. Be it an adoption event, making a float for a local parade or holding a raffle, Elaine Sherwood made it fresh and fun with the objective always being to make life better for stray and unwanted animals.

As any good manager will do, Elaine always gave credit to the loyal group of dedicated volunteers who supported her. All felt honored to be part of a local organization that complimented the shelter with assistance and fund-raising or anything else that needed to be done.

Over the years, Elaine and her husband, Dan Sherwood, offered refuge to any number and variety of animals. They shared their home with many dogs, cats, a pony and even a burro. All were given a new lease on life as rescued animals and all were loved for their many attributes as well as shortcomings. The most recent rescue to the Sherwood household was a gray and black tiger kitten named Buddy. Now, fully grown, he provides comfort and companionship to Dan.

And so, it is with sadness that friends, family and associates honor the achievements and committed efforts of a loyal friend. The Fayette County Humane Society continues to encourage people to become involved volunteers and promote the humane and ethical treatment of animals.

Elaine Sherwood’s many years of service to the organization are greatly appreciated and her memory will be honored by continuing to provide services to the animals of this community.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in Elaine’s name may do so at the Fayette County Humane Society website, www.fayettehumane.org, or by mailing it to Fayette County Humane Society P.O. Box 244, Fayetteville, Georgia, 30214.

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