RALEIGH COUNTY'S PET NEWS
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Making a Difference

"The seed you sow, may inspire others."

2001 and 2002 "Raleigh County Pet News."

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Animal Relief Fund (ARF)

The Animal Relief Fund (ARF) is an exciting new program which was recently developed by the Humane Society of Raleigh County, Inc. board of directors in response to a need which was not fully recognized or met in the past.

Animals turned into the shelter or picked up as strays often have a treatable illness or injury which causes pain or discomfort while in the HSRC’s care. This could be deterrent to its adoption. ARF provides first aid supplies, prescription medications and veterinary treatment to sick or injury animals. There has never been a financial resource for such care. Now with the donation of $2000.00 in "seed" money by a local business and private individuals, the HSRC’s shelter shall be able to pay for a service which was previously either donated by local veterinarians or not render at all due to lack of financial resources.

Although off to an encouraging start, the fund needs the support of businesses an individuals to assure its success. Those of you who are responsible pet owners already know how easily and quickly a vet bill can escalate, especially in an emergency. Your tax-deductible donation to ARF shall ensure that all animals sheltered by the Humane Society of Raleigh County, Inc. shall  have the opportunity to receive "relief" from pain and discomfort while in the HSRC’s care.

Whether you make a donation now or later, please demonstrate your support of this effort to improve service. This is an on-going project which will continue unless funds are no longer available. Please indicate on your check (or with cash, on a note) that the donation goes to ARF. The money will not be used for any other purposes other then specified, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your donation had a direct positive effect on the lives of the animals the HSRC care for.

Please send your donation to: The Humane Society of Raleigh County, Inc., P.O. Box 115, Beckley, WV 25802

This message was basically typed verbatim from a letter that Mrs. Rebecca S. Kirkpatrick, Board President of The Humane Society of Raleigh County, sent to its members on December 5, 2002.

Raleigh Commission Adopts Noise Ordinance Unanimously

Effective immediately the Raleigh County Commission adopted a noise ordinance.

The ordinance is as follow:

"Keeping of animals causing a public nuisance" shall be unlawful. Any person who knowingly keeps or harbor any animal which habitually barks, howls, cries or yelps, "causing a great discomfort to the peace and quiet of a neighborhood," will be in violation of the ordinance.

The sheriff’s department will be allowed to hire two animal control officers to implement this ordinance.

Complaints to the sheriff’s department about such activity will result in a request to the animal owner to take "whatever steps necessary" to alleviate the animal from howling or crying, the ordinance reads.

If the activity does not cease, a complaint by two citizens not of the same family or household can be made to the sheriff’s office. A citation will be written to the owner of the animal for the violation.

In another article in The Register-Herald, titled "Noise Disturbances Defined in New Rules," the ordinance says any sounds "which by its character, intensity and duration endanger or injuries the health and safety of persons within the county," of "reasonable and normal sensibility."

Any person who knowingly commits or continues any noise or disturbance will be charged with a misdemeanor public nuisance offense.

Violations deemed a public nuisance will result in a first-offense fine $5 to $50 plus court cost; second-offense fine of $25 to $100 plus court cost; and third-offense fine of $100 to $500, plus 90 days in jail, plus court cost.

Noise disturbances by citizens are only enforced between the hours of 10:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M., but Commissions president Bill Baker noted that dogs barking would be considered a 24-hour offense.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Wednesday, November 20, 2002. The first article, was written by Jerl S. Bowles, and "Noise Disturbances Defined in New Rule," was written by a staff reporter.

Hiring of Animal Control Officers OK’d

The Raleigh County Commissioner Tuesday approved the hiring of two animal control officers through the sheriff's office.

Commissioner president Bill Baker said, "Adding the officers would take care of vicious dogs we have had problems with and also would enforce the leash laws."

Baker said the Raleigh County 911 Center, the sheriff’s department and the commission all have received complaints of vicious dogs throughout the county.

"We get calls all the time about animals that are loose, the leash law not being complied with, and 911 gets a number of calls. This is an ongoing problem," Baker said. "We’re trying to deal with it."

"The humane society is doing what they can do to enforce the (current leash laws) but they’re limited. That’s part of the problem," the commission president said. "We’re all short handed, but with us making a move like this, it will strengthen everyone."

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Wednesday, October 30, 2002. Reporter, Jessica Shifflett.

Cottin: Friend, Helper, Protector

Jessica King, 10, of Sophia got her dream companion from Canine Assistance in Georgia, August 1, 2002.

"Cottin is a service dog that doesn’t work as hard as a seeing -eye dog. She is trained to turn on and off lights, open and close doors, retrieve items, and bring them to you, and to be Jessica’s best friend," says her mother, Ruby.

When Jessica was a baby, she was diagnosed with a condition known as tuberous sclerosis.

The disease leads to benign tumors in the brain, which can cause seizures.

Jessica’s dog acts as a companion and a guardian for the Sophia grade-schooler.

Cottin is a very smart dog. She has been taught 90 different commands that she follows. And when, Jessica, has a seizure, the dog lays on top of her to keep her from possibly getting hurt.

Cottin has a perfect temperament for a service dog and Jessica relies on her furry friend to brace her when she is unsteady and help her when she falls.

Eventually with the help of a specialized telephone "paw pad" service animals may be able to call 911 in an emergency.

No one knows what cues dogs may pick up on in the minute before a seizure begins. Researchers say it could be anything from some electromagnetic force to dogs’ sensitivity to high-pitch sounds.

Some scientists believe dogs have incredible olfactory acuity, in a range humans cannot even imagine. One idea is that even before the seizures happen, there may be changes in body odor that are below human recognition, but may be within a dog’s sense of smell.

Jessica’s mother, Ruby says, "The dog’s service was extensive. She lauded Milk-Bones, the dog biscuit division of Nabisco, for footing the entire expense of the training process."

"Because of Milk-Bones’s generosity, Cottin will give my daughter a lot of independence that she wouldn’t have otherwise."

Ruby also noted that anyone with a handicap can get in touch with Canine Assistance on the Internet at canineassistance.org.

The process for getting the dog was not easy. Not only is there a nationwide waiting list, but the cost of training the animal is more than $12,000.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Monday, October 7, 2002. Reporter, John Blankenship.

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HSRC Deserves Praise

The Humane Society of Raleigh County is to be praised for their attempts to get the pets under their care adopted via Internet. Under the directions of Mrs. Rebecca S. Kirkpatrick,  President of the Humane Society of Raleigh County, the organization not only has an  outstanding web site on wvpetpages.com, but has expanded their horizon and are now showing pets for adoption from the shelter on Petfinder.org.

Petfinder, a very well known web site, gives care givers of our animal friends the opportunities to post their photos of pets for adoption and for the organization to promote their agenda. (9-2002)

Playin’ Around

Judith Huber demonstrated at the Raleigh County Public Library in Beckley her 3-year-old standard poodle, Winston, abilities as a service dog. The dog is a licensed therapy dog trained to help physically challenged patients.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Thursday, September 5, 2002. Reporter, Lew Whitener.

Cats Makes Tracks

Feline purr-fectly after 2- year disappearance

Peggy Griffith was surprise Monday, August 19, 2002 when her cat, Chole, was eagerly awaiting breakfast on the backdoor step of her Shady Springs home. As a matter of fact, the four-year-old kitty had been missing for almost two years and her presences threw Griffith into a purr-fectly tailspin.

Chole seemed healthy and in good spirits and acted as if she had never left, Griffith said.

"I’ve read that cats have no sense of time, so in her mind, maybe she thinks she’s just been away overnight," said Griffith.

Chloe who has been missing since October 2002 was a little skittish at first, but strode confidently to the spot where she used to be fed every morning in Griffith’s kitchen and waited for her usual breakfast. By the time Griffith left for work at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Shady Springs, the kitty was curled up and sleeping soundly on the carpeted stairs.

"I hated to leave, but it would have been a little hard to explain to my boss that I’d rather be home petting my cat," Griffith said.

Ironically, Griffith has developed an allergy to cats and her husband, Keith, has to look out for two other felines in the house.

"We’ll have to see how this works out, but I’m just so tickled she’s home," Griffith said. "I’ll find a way to deal with the allergies."

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Tuesday, August 20, 2002. Reporter, Bev Davis.

Memorial Site Set Aside for Special Friends

BECKLEY - The folks at Sunset Memorial Garden on Harper Road in Beckley understand that the loss of a pet can be traumatic. For that reason, they have set aside a portion of the property at Sunset as final resting place for these special loved ones.

"The Estate of Faithful Companions" is a memorial garden dedicated to animals. Located in a special part of Sunset Memorial Garden, this portion of the cemetery provides a burial place for beloved pets, with arrangements suited to the need of each situation.

To make this difficult time easier, Sunset can take care of the details involved in laying your pet to rest. Pick-up of the deceased from either the home or the veterinarian’s office can be arranged through a phone call to the office. A casket-vault container is provided. If desired, a favorite toy or blanket may be added.

Permanent grave sites are available to accommodate any size animal. A simple ceremony can be arranged, often on the same day. Grave markers are available which may include a special tribute or message, in addition to the pet’s name and dates.

Future plans for the Estates of Faithful Companion include planting of privacy hedges around the section, the addition of paved walkways and a granite market for the site.

According to Pete Staton, family service counselor for Sunset, "A variety of options are available." Staton strongly recommends contacting the Estate of Faithful Companion if you feel you may be interested in their services to discuss pre-arrangements.

For more information, call Pete Staton or David Boersema at 255-0000.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Thursday, July 25, 2002. Reporter, Kathy Zirckel

Missing Boxers Results in Rash of Rumors, Questions

When Sandy Hornsby went to feed Smokey, the family dog, that Sunday evening, she discovered his unfastened collar lying flat on the ground at the end of his lead in the front yard.

"His collar was there, his chain was there, his water bucket was there, but he wasn’t there," Sandy Hornsby recalled emotionally.

The 28-year-old Eccles woman said when she discovered the dog missing May 29, the family immediately began questioning neighbors, sending out fliers, and searching the area for the missing pet.

When she contacted the Raleigh County Humane Society, Hornsby said she made another painful discovery: Smokey, an AKC register boxer, had probably been targeted by a "professional" who had stolen him based specifically on his breed.

"They told me they’ve had nine boxers missing since April," Hornsby reported.

Since the boxer began disappearing - all from Raleigh county and five from the Stanaford area, according to Humane Society spokeswoman Angel Stove - rumors have been flying like plot line pitches for a new Cruella Deville movie.

Rumors have it they are being used in experiments by chemical researchers and/or that the boxers are being taken to fight with pit bulls.

Angel Stover verified that her office has received a rash of reports of missing boxers in the area and said none of the missing pets has been turned into the animal shelter.

"The only thing I can tell you is that since April 12, there have been nine boxers in the Beckley area that have been missing. None of these dogs have been turned in here," said Stover. Stover also added, "That she wasn’t aware of any outstanding breed characteristics that would make boxers more susceptible to theft then another, A boxer is as average as a poodle as far as being able to purchase them."

Toni Hornsby said she’s filed reports over the telephone with both the Raleigh and Fayette County sheriff’s department. She asked that anyone with information regarding her pet, let law enforcers know.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Thursday, June 6, 2002. Reporter, Jessica Shifflett.

Update: Thanks to Joseph Kalie of Tolbert Farm Road in Raleigh County who after spotting a picture of Lori Hornsby riding the back of a big boxer in Thursday’s Register-Herald, Kalie thought the canine looked familiar so he dropped an e-mail to the newspaper. The e-mail was forward to the Hornsby and they went to the area to see if the boxer might be Smokey. Fortunately, the boxer was Smokey and since his return home, Smokey’s been enjoying his favorite foods, Toni Hornsby said: He’s feasted on Doritos, peaches and his favorite brand of dog food.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Saturday, June 8, 2002. Reporter, Jessica Shifflett

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Local Branch of AKC Active in Community

On the third Thursday of every month, the county’s tail-wagging crowd pours into the Harper road Comfort Inn for the Beckley Kennel Club’s monthly meeting.

"We go to nursing homes with our dogs and we take them in the Kid’s Classic Parade and the Christmas Parade," President Nancy Bowman said. "Every year we do ‘Love on a Leash.’ That’s where we take our dogs to the malls in Huntington, Beckley and Charleston for an educational type thing," she continued. "We educate people on how to purchase a good, purebred dog."

For the uninitiated, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is a non-profit organization devoted to advancing purebred dogs.

The Beckley (West Virginia) Kennel Club currently boasts 40 members representing various breeds.

"While the club prefers members to own AKC-recognized breeds when they seek membership, those who don’t own purebred dogs or who don’t own show quality AKC-recognized breeds are free to join the club anyway," Bowman said.

"We’re always here to help people and we welcome people to come and join the club," Bowman said. "We take people with mongrels or dogs that aren’t show quality and we train them on how to buy a better dog."

Besides publishing information concerning their cause, volunteering and sponsoring the Spring Fling Dog Show, the Beckley Kennel Club also upholds its civic duties.

"We raised money at our dog show and purchased two canine vests for the Beckley Police Department," Bowman added.

If you would like to learn more about the Beckley Kennel Club their address is: Beckley WV Kennel Club, Post Office Box 818, Beckley, WV 25801. Also, you can contact them by phone which is 304-253-2522.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Thursday, April 25, 2002. Reporter, Jessica Shifflett

Beckley Kennel Club Holds Annual Dog Show

The city of Beckley will go to the dogs Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28 when the Beckley Kennel club hosts its annual Spring Fling Dog Show at the Raleigh County Armory-Civic Center. This is the show’s 25^th year and the first year the show will run for two days, according to club president Nancy Bowman. Show categories include conformation-a section of the show that determines winners in breeds and groups-and "obedience," a section with three different levels of competition (novice, open, and utility) and trophies will be awarded in the various categories.

In addition to the shows April 27 and 28 which starts at 8 a.m., a special 6 p.m. practice match on Friday (April 26) before show time will allow dog owners to see how well their pooches handle the stress of the "show dog ship."

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Thursday, April 25, 2002: Reporter, Jessica Shifflett.

Health Official Urges Rabies Immunization

Having found two cases of rabies in raccoons this year, the Beckley-Raleigh County Health Department is encouraging pet owners to have their pets properly immunized against rabies.

"Rabies has been found in many wildlife animals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, and other animals," administrator Stan Wills said. "Once these animals have been infected, they can then infect cats, dogs, and other pets with the rabies virus."

Canadance Hurd, director of nursing for the county health department added, "Symptoms of rabies include unusual or aggressive behaviors, seizures, coma and death."

Parents are also being encouraged to teach their children to not go near, pet, play or feed any stray pets or wild animals.

If bitten by an animal, immediately wash the area with soap and water. You should also obtain medical care, especially if the bite broke the skin.

If you have any questions about the active surveillance or an animal bite, you can contact the Beckley-Raleigh County Health Department at 252-8532.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Friday, April 19, 2002. Written by Staff Reports.

Local Pet to Compete in Westminster Dog Show

BECKLEY- Some of us dream about someday owning the perfect home, driving the coolest car, or landing that one-in-a-life-time job, but not Pam Parson, the daughter of Jim and Connie Patterson. All she ever wanted was a Dalmatian.

Just a week after Pam got married, her husband, Russell, presented her with Sammie, her very own Dalmatian-her dream dog.

Sammie began obedience training. She did so well and she and Pam enjoyed the experience so much that Pam began showing Sammie in obedience division of AKC dog shows. Sammie accumulated the points necessary to earn her companion dog title.

Sammie was not "confrontation quality." In other words, she did not meet the AKC approved standard for an ideal dog of her breed. So Pam began saving to buy Rock, her next Dalmatian.

Pam third Dalmatian was name Selena. At one-year-old, Selena had already earned 4 of the 15 points required for a championship title when Pam got her. Pam has since shown Selena throughout the eastern United States.

Selena has won her championship title and has been accepted to compete in the prestigious Westminster Dog Show. All dogs must have obtained championship status and are accepted as being "the best of the best."

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog show will take place February 11 and 12 in New York at Madison Square Garden and will be televised on the USA Network at 8:00 P.M.

Selena, Rock, and Sammie are all Certified Therapist Dogs and visit Pinecrest Hospital every other week. They each also have a Canine Good Citizen title. Rock, whose father is featured in the Purina Dog Chow commercial, is only four points away from his championship title.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Thursday, February 7, 2002. Reporter, Kathy Zirckel

Humane Society Contest Promotes Pet Care Education

A good color photo could win your pet a trophy and help provide elementary school children with education about school children with education about pet care and safety.

The Humane Society of Raleigh County is sponsoring a Valentine’s Day pet photo contest to raise funds to provide subscriptions to "Kind News" for elementary school system.

The publication provided through the education division of the Humane Society of the United States offers a teacher’s curriculum guide, posters, badges and other supplemental materials that inform children about the different kinds of needs.

"The demands for these are increasing, and we wanted to find a way to offer more of them to our schools," local humane society president Rebecca Kirkpatrick said.

"Each nine-month subscription is $25, but we provide the materials at no cost to participating teachers of grade K-6. They have been very popular and teachers have asked us to provide more."

Kirkpatrick said she thought a photo contest would create high interest and good participation.

The categories are not limited to cats and dog. All pets from iguanas to pot-bellied pigs can be used.

By submitting a photo no more then 4 inches by 6 inches in sizes and a $5.00 entry fee, Photo will be displayed at the Crossroad Mall through Feb. 14. Voting will be done by the general public with a $1 vote fee to accompanying each ballot provided by the humane society.

Members of the humane society’s board of director will count the votes and declare the winner at 8 p.m. Feb. 16. Winners need not be present.

Trophies will be awarded to the top male (king) and female (queen) with first and second runners-up awarded prizes accordingly.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Thursday, February 7, 2002. Bev Davis, reporter.

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What a Dog!

Patrick Burdiss doesn’t need a paper box.

Why should he, when he has Charlie Boy Brown?

The 8-year-old canine companion of Burdiss, 65, of Odd has a claim to fame.

He goes out every morning and gets the newspaper for his owner.

Burdiss and his wife, June, have owned a number of dogs and cats over the years.

"Most of the animals were orphaned or homeless," Burdiss recalls. "One of our cats was discovered abandoned near Pittsburgh and was brought to West Virginia by a young man who came to visit his father at Grandview."

"When my wife heard about the abandoned kitten, she went out to take a look at it. She immediately fell in love with it. She brought it home and named him Tigger. It’s been here ever since."

There is a story that goes with every one of the Burdiss menagerie.

The couple got another cat one day in Beckley when the feline crawled under June’s automobile.

"When my wife left work to come home, she saw some people trying to get a kitten out from under her car. They were going to take it to the animal shelter," Burdiss recalls of the incident. "She immediately told them to leave and that she would take care of it. She found the kitten and put it in the car and brought it home. We named it Jiggs."

Another of the couple’s critter’s has special significance, according to the owner.

"One of our cats has a deformed left front leg," Burdiss said. "He has six toes on one hind foot and seven toes on the other one. We named him Lefty because of his funny walk."

And that’s not all.

There is another touching tale about a canine named Abbey.

"We had a family outing in Monroe County two years ago," Burdiss explains. "A stray dog showed up at the camp. We fed it, and everybody petted it. Then we left, but two weeks later, the owner of the camp went back and the dog was still there. He fed it again. Another two weeks passed. The owner went back to the camp. The dog was still there waiting for someone to come back.

"When we heard about it, we told the man to bring the dog to us. We’ve had a beautiful mix Damnation ever since. We named her Abigal."

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Saturday, January 5, 2002. Reporter, John Blankenship.

No Pets as Presents

Animal shelter recommends gift certificates

To discourage people from introducing new pets into the family on Christmas Day, the Raleigh County Animal shelter will not allow adoptions until Dec.26.

"With all the excitement, it’s not a good time to bring new pets into the home. They can get stepped on and injured. They can get into the Christmas decorations and get hurt. Kids are excited about their toys, and the pets don’t get the right attention. We just don’t recommend it," Raleigh County Humane Society Director, Joyce Williams, said.

Beginning Monday, people can purchase gift certificates that cover the cost of adoption, spaying and neutering. On December 26, recipients of gift certificates can come in and pick out a pet.

"The gift certificate won’t hold a certain pet, and we prefer that the potential owners come in and pick out the animal they want. It works better that way. It’s not always a good idea to pick out a pet for someone else," Williams said.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Sunday, December 16, 2001, Bev Davis, reporter.

Tags Can Help Stray Animal Find Their Way Home

A lucky pup was reunited with his owner this week because Jerry Matthews was willing to pay five bucks.

Pepperjack, a small black terrier mix, managed to slip unnoticed out of Matthews’ car while the owner was pumping gas at a station in Beckley.

By the time Matthews realized the dog was gone, Pepperjack was hightailing it across the field on a dark chilly evening.

Jerry tried to find Pepperjack but to no avail. He worried how the little pup would handle the cold. Also, fears that Pepperjack had been stolen entered his mind.

A kind soul who lives about a half a mile from the station, however, heard Pepperjack barking and took in the little waif.

Because Matthews had purchased an identification tag with the dog’s name and the owner’s phone number attached to the dog’s collar, help was minutes away.

By the time Matthews got home, his wife had received a call from Nellie Smith telling her the dog was safe and sound. Within two hours after being separated, dog and owner were home on the couch sharing popcorn and watching TV.

"If people only understood how important it is to put tags on their pets," lamented Rebecca Kirkpatrick, president of the Raleigh County Humane Society. "Shelter workers check for tags and if the dog have them, they can usually have those dogs back with their owner in a short time."

Since Thanksgiving, Kirkpatrick has received numerous calls about a missing pets.

"I always ask if the pets are wearing tags. I can’t believe how often the answer is no," Kirkpatrick said.

Shelter director Joyce Williams said tags can also prevent animals from unnecessary suffering.

"If animals get hurt or injured, whoever finds it can call and get the owner and get the animal to a vet. It’s really a good idea to put tags or your pets, both cats and dogs," Williams said.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Sunday, December 16, 2001, Bev Davis reporter.

Did you know that Wal-Marts in Beckley, WV has a machine where you can get identifications  tags made for your pet in just a few minute?  

Humane Society Program Counters Animal Cruelty

The Raleigh County chapter of the Humane Society handles what many choose to ignore-animals that don’t have a home. During one recent week, 104 animals were brought to the shelter; the week before, 164.

Receiving thousands of animals a year, the shelter isn’t limited to just stray dogs and cats, but any animal that is on the loose or being abused or neglected.

According to board directors member Vicki Miller, on average the animal shelter sees about three cases of neglect each month, mostly in the form of malnutrition. Abuse takes on many forms.

While the shelter attempts to foster out as many animals to good homes as it can, the sad reality is only around 600 of the more than 6,500 animals sheltered this year will find homes.

"Not all of those are successful adoption," shelter director Joyce Williams notes. "Around 40 of those will come back to us for many different reasons."

Because there is a need to educate people on issues of animal kindness, the shelter distributes a publication to about 150 subscribers in the county.

All elementary schools in Raleigh County receive the publication.

"It teaches kindness to animals and people," Miller said. "It’s about teaching children to be earth friendly."

The publication, produce by the National Humane Society offers three different age-appropriate editions that cover current news, puzzles, games, quizzes and community projects.

"We really feel that it is really important for children to learn kindness," Miller said. "Then we won’t get abused animals into the shelter."

Sunday, December 2, 2001, Jeri S. Bowles, Register-Herald Reporter

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Humane Society has Own Web Site

BECKLEY-The Humane Society of Raleigh County has been on-line with it own web site, www.rcpets.org , since June of this year. Designed by volunteers at a savings of several thousands dollars, the 15 page web site took nearly two years to do.

Board President, Rebecca Kirkpatrick said "Now that the peak breeding season is past, the shelter is able to keep cats and dogs longer. This enables prospective pet owners to view the animals on-line first, for a closer look at the adoptive pets, without having to visit the shelter."

By state law, all stray dogs must be kept by the shelter for five days in order to assure that an owned dog which was lost may be found by the owner.

Advertisements are not accepted for display on the society’s web site, but sponsors to help underwrite the cost of maintaining it, would receive recognition on the site. Interested parties are welcome to contact Kirkpatrick at 304-763-4474.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Thursday, November 8, 2001.

Dogs get Bullet-Proof Vests

Members of the Beckley West Virginia Kennel Club stand with Beckley police officers, Patrolman Jason Mc Daniel with "Pedro;" Corporal J. R. Corley with "Ace" and Chuck Ragland with "Acole" in front of the Comfort Inn in Beckley. Club members held several fund- raisers with the money used to purchase bullet proof vests for police dogs at the Beckley Police Department and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department. The vests cost about $650 each.

Typed verbatim from The Register-Herald, Thursday, October 25, 2001.

Humane Society of Raleigh County Posting Photos of Pets

On Monday, October 8, 2001, the Humane Society of Raleigh County began posting photos of the pets at their shelter. Mrs. Rebecca S. Kirkpatrick, President of the HSRC, took a web site done in their behalf and on her own, without any assistance from anyone and having no knowledge in web designing taught herself how to do a web site and  has expanded it to be a fantastic web site, praise worthy in style, graphics, and contents. I must say that daily I would look at her web site to see what she was doing and have been amazed at her perseverance. It appeared she did not know what the word "failure" meant, and if she didn’t get it right that day, she would in time.

I have always believed and still do, that Mrs. Kirkpatrick can lead the way for us to have a more progressive shelters in the FRSW region. Creative ideas she comes up with would have never entered my mind.

So congratulations to Rebecca S. Kirkpatrick for her accomplishments and may there be many more.

Please go to their site which is on the home page and access it, and look at just at a few of the pets posted that the HSRC has for adoption. And when you think of getting a pet, "Think of Adopting at your Animal Shelter."

You will never regret saving a life.

ADOPT A PET FROM YOUR ANIMAL SHELTER!

YOU WILL NEVER REGRET SAVING A LIFE!

Pet Week Poster Winner

The West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association has selected two Beckley-Stratton Junior High students as first and third place state winners in the National Pet Week Celebration Poster Contest. Robert Bosley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Bosely of Beckley, has been awarded the first place certificate and a $75 savings bond in the 7th-12th grade category. His work will be entered into the national contest. Kimberly Cook, daughter of Carolyn Cook of Beckley, has been awarded the 7th-12th grade category third place certificate for her accomplishments. The winning poster on the national level will receive $300 and be the poster for the 2003 National Pet Week celebration.

Copied verbatim from The Register-Herald , Thursday, September 27, 2001.

BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN BEGINS

Thumbnail, Click to enlarge.

   Bold letters proclaiming "6500 Killed" will remind pet owners that failure to spay and neuter animals leads to the deaths of more than 6,000 unwanted pets each year.  "This is a public awareness campaign designed to put the monkey, so to speak, on the pet owner's back", said Rebecca Kirkpatrick, Board President of The Raleigh County Humane Society, which will sponsor the billboards.

    The Society has come under criticism by those who oppose euthanizing animals that are not adopted.  "Our adoption rate is one per cent higher than the national average.  The reason we have to put down 6,500 animals every year is because there simply aren't enough homes available for all those puppies and kittens.  that's what's killing us, and it kills us to have to do it," Kirkpatrick said.

    The Raleigh County shelter depends on help from the county commission and the City of Beckley, and with limited funding, cannot provide a no-kill shelter as other cities have.  "No-kill shelters have complete freedom and lots of leeway concerning what animals they accept and how long they keep them.  We don't.  We pretty much have to take what comes off the trucks or through our doors," Kirkpatrick said. 

     Society Members hope the billboards fulfill their purpose.  "They are designed for shock value, and we hope their message gets through to the public.  If we don't spay and neuter, animals have to die.  It's as simple as that, " stated Kirkpatrick.  Funds  for the project came from an anonymous donor.  "When we received the money, we tried to think of a way to put it to good use.  The spay-neuter campaign is one of our strongest goals because it's the only thing that will lower the population of unwanted animals.  We thought the billboards were the best way to keep the message before the public, " Kirkpatrick said.

Bev Davis
The Register-Herald
August 22, 2001
Copied from the HSRC's web site.

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Third Rabies Case in Raleigh Concerns Officials

A third confirmed case of rabies in Raleigh County has prompted the Beckley Raleigh County Health Department to issue an additional warning to pet owners.

"We want to stress the need for rabies vaccination," said Darice Gordon, regional epidemiologist."It’s the number one method for preventing rabies."

"It’s the number one method for preventing rabies."

Protecting your pet also protects the public, she added.

From September 9-21, area residents will see three special equipped bright yellow airplanes distributing oral vaccines placed in bait that will hopefully be consumed by raccoons, the major carrier of rabies.

The bait is not harmful to pets or wildlife. If your pet does get it, don’t take it away from them. It will not harm them. Although, pet owners can help by keeping their pets inside or on a leash for at least one week after the area in which they live have been baited. This will allow time for the raccoons to consume the bait.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Wednesday, August 29, 2001. Beth Davis, Reporter.

Second Rabies Case Concerns Health Officials

A second documented case of rabies in Raleigh County since January has public health official concerns.

Last week, residents near Stanaford spotted a raccoon that appeared to be having seizures. They called the Raleigh County Health Department, and officers with the state Division of Natural Resource captured and killed the animal. Test confirmed the raccoon had rabies.

Earlier this month, country health departments throughout the state called on the public for help in identifying animals that might have rabies. The department listed symptoms of rabies and encouraged the public to avoid all contact with stray or wild animal-and to call the health department officials if they saw a raccoon, fox, sunk, or coyote out during the day and showing signs it had lost it fears of humans.

With this incident, and the likelihood that children are spending more time outdoor this spring, has come an added warning to parents. Discourage your children from going near a stray or wild animal and avoid trying to offer if the animal appears to be sick or having seizures.

The best thing to do if you suspect an animal might have rabies, call the DNR at 256-6974 or your county health department. Raleigh county residents should call 252-8532.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Wednesday, May 23, 2001.  Reporter, Bev Davis.

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Congratulations to the Humane Society of Raleigh County

Congratulations are in store for the Humane Society of Raleigh County who during the week of May 20, 2001, got their web site on-line. Also, they advertised in the paper of their forthcoming meeting at the shelter to invite members and new members who would want to join to attend this event which will be to vote on proposed revision of the HSRC by-laws and participate in the voting of filling the vacancy of the board member whose terms will be expiring in 2001. And, also announced of their forthcoming auction that they are planning at the Raleigh County Memorial Airport, June 23, 2001 which the funds acquired will be use to help with spaying and neutering pets in Raleigh County. 5/24/2001

Sniffing Out Trouble

Praises to the Raleigh County Sheriff Department who on Tuesday, May 23, 2000, went to Bradley Elementary School with their dog, Bomb, and his trainer Deputy S. P. Ellison to give a demonstration how Bomb is useful in the sheriff’s department in finding dangerous or illegal substances.

Horse Riding Therapy Helps Special Kids

Horde riding therapy is available every week at the equestrian center at Glade Springs near Beckley.

Judy Taylor, owner of Power of a Dream Riding Therapy, will bring four quarter horses from her farm at Max Meadows, VA, to the center each Tuesday to provide different kinds of therapy for children and adults.

"Therapeutic riding can benefit people of all ages, but it is especially helpful for children with special needs. It’s a real high for a child who can’t walk to be placed in a saddle and suddenly feel what it’s like to walk. The movement of a quarter horse is so similar to a human gait, it feels very natural for the children," Taylor said.

Introduced to the idea to meet the needs of her own son, who has cerebral palsy and several other disabilities, Taylor has spent 12 years learning and providing this unique therapy.

"You can see the children change as they gain more confidence in leading the horses and riding them. This can be a real accomplishment for these children," Taylor said.

A ramp and a platform at the center make the riding therapy accessible to those with disabilities. Therapy will be available at 10:00 a.m. each Tuesday at a cost of $25.000 a session, and financial assistance is available, Taylor said.

The Glade Springs equestrian center phone number is 1-304-763-2000. 

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Friday, April 6, 2001, by Bev Davis

Safety has Gone to the Dogs

Congratulations to the Beckley Kennel Club who meets at 6:30 P.M. every third Thursday of the month at the Comfort Inn on Harper Road, and not only is the public welcome to attend their meeting, but also their pets. For more information concerning their organization you can call them at 1-304-253-2522 or write to the club at P.O. Box 895, Beckley, WV 25801.

At the present the organization is having several fund-raisers to aid in the purchase of bullet- proof and stab- proof vests for the police dogs of the Beckley Police Department and the Raleigh County Sheriff Department. Each vest runs about $650.00, and there are five dogs between the two departments.

During the Beckley Kennel Club Dog Show to be held April 27-29 at the Raleigh County Armory Civic Center they are hoping to raise $1,500.00 there. Drawings for a variety of things will be held at the show, from camping and fishing gear to dog-related items.

The organization wants to hold a "fun" dog show for the public later in the year to raise more money for the vest. Plus all the money the club garners from its obedience class-which stars May 2, run eight weeks and cost $50.00 per dog-will go toward the vest.

Summarization from the Register-Herald, March 24, 2001. Reporter, Jon Earl Otte.

Raccoon Test Positive for Rabies in Raleigh County

A raccoon was diagnosed with rabies last week after a conservation officer noticed the animal acting strange. It is the first reported case of the disease in Raleigh County in six years. The Beckley-Raleigh County Board of Health, said Monday the wild animal had no exposure and was tested as part of a surveillance program. The raccoon was found in the Dry Creek area.

Raleigh County’s last reported rabies case was in 1995 which was a bat. However, surrounding counties around Raleigh County has not been as lucky and several cases of rabies have been reported. Rabies has been detected in animals in Monroe, McDowell, and Summers counties recently.

Precautionary measure that need to be taken is to keep away wild animals especially if they are "acting strange." Also, get your dogs and cats vaccinated.

Normally, the disease is reported at the end of February or the first of March when animals become active again. In West Virginia, the raccoon seems to be the animal most commonly exposing humans to the rabies virus, according to the health department. Other animals diagnosed with rabies in the state include cats, skunks, and foxes.

Parents are encouraged to teach their children not to approach or play with any strays or wild animals. If bitten, the person needs to wash the area with soap and water and seek medical attention, especially if the bite has broken the skin.

If the animal is a cat or dog, it should be captured and quarantine for 10 days for observation.

The No. 1 method for preventing rabies in animals and human is proper immunizations of animals.

Summarization from the Register-Herald, by a Staff Reporter, Tuesday, January 30, 2001

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Volunteer Fire Department Saves Hound

Drew the ‘coon hound is safe and sound thanks to the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department.

Department members put their rescue rappelling training classes to good use earlier this week, rescuing a dog that was stranded on a 6-foot-by-3-foot ledge after falling over a highwall mine site. The dog was on a narrow ledge with more than 50 feet of falloff to reach the ground.

Chris Stewart, a fireman and paramedic, rappelled some 40 feet at the Laura Alma mines in Dorothy to rescue the stranded hound.

After many tenses moments, Drew was rescued and reunited with his owner.

Summarization from The Register-Herald, Friday, December 15, 2000. Register-Herald reporter by Jeri S. Bowles.

The Humane Society of Raleigh County's Christmas Adoption Policy

The Raleigh County Animal Shelter and others who deal with pets do not feel that Christmas Day is not a good time to introduce a pet or kitten into a new environment because there is too much excitement and there is a possibility the animal can be hurt. To discourage the practice, the Raleigh County Animal Shelter will provide gift certificates that allow selection and adoption of a pet this week with the understanding the adopted pet will not be picked up until after Christmas.

From December 13, through December 16, people can come in and adopt a pet. From December 16, through the 23, people can come in and pay for the gift certificates, but no adoptions will be done Christmas week. (Summarization from The Register-Herald, December 13, 2000, reporter, Bev Davis)12/13/2000

A Belated Congratulations to the HSRC

Congratulations to the Humane Society of Raleigh County  who at different intervals post photos of some their animals in the Register-Herald for adoption purposes. Also, at times, included is information concerning the Raleigh County Animal Shelter’s projects or tips of interest in behalf of our animal friends. 11/5/2000

HSRC Assisted 100 Families In Getting Their Pets Spayed or Neutered

Congratulations to the Humane Society of Raleigh County who helped 100 families in Raleigh County in getting their dog or cat spayed or neutered. Monies were made available through the auction that the HSRC held at Daniel’s Vineyards this Spring. Mrs. Rebecca Kirkpatrick who is in charged of HSRC activities says that they hope to aid other families later in the year. 10/17/2000

Making A Difference

Three cheers for Charlie and Amy Marlow of Mac Arthur, WV whose loved for other life forms have no ending. The Marlows are trying to locate a stray cat in the area who just had some kittens so they can take care of the mother cat and her litter. Then, once the kittens are weaned, the Marlows will seek a home for the little kittens and their mother. If there were more Marlows in this world, it would be a better place.

Update

I am happy to report that the Marlows did locate the stray pregnant cat and gave her shelter. Mrs. Marlow informed me on Thursday, September 14, 2000, that the cat is now the mother of five kittens and all are doing well.

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