SUMMERS COUNTY'S
PET NEWS
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Making a Difference
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To add news which you, your school, your organization, or community has done or is doing in your county for the betterment of our animal friends, please send an email with details pertaining to Summers County.
Half-Way Haven, Dreams do Come True
Way before Jerry and Teresa Lawson and family ever conceived the idea that someday and animal organization to help the unwanted animals in Summers County would take place, they were busy rescuing unwanted dogs and cats and finding them homes. As the Lawsons continued in their struggle to help the abundance of unwanted animals they encountered, they knew they needed to spearhead an organization and see that an animal shelter materializes in Summers County, WV.
On March 21, 2004, the Lawsons appeared at the Summers County Commission’s office with signatures of 680 people asking the commissioners to help them in establishing an animal shelter. The Commissioners gave the Lawsons their blessings in what they had and were doing for our animal companions, but no money was available to help them in their quest. And then, all was silent until September 12, 2000 because the battle of the Lawsons continued and a meeting was held attended by many Summers County’s citizens and the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. (ACWP) became a reality, an organization to help the animals in Summers County. An organization which would be operated only through volunteers and from donations.
The ACWP has pursued and succeeded in reaching many milestones in helping the animals. One of the milestones they are pursuing now is trying to establish a shelter, and though they are not completely there yet, they are well on their way.
On May 22, 2004, the ACWP had an open house to show what they have accomplished so far in the Half-Way Haven, an enormous building which lies on a nice parcel of land in Pipestem which eventually will be a shelter for the animals in Summers County. But there is a problem, they are about $4000.00 shy of having the funds to complete it.
Wouldn’t it be nice if that shelter could be completed "Sooner then later" so the ACWP could move forward to greater heights.
Can you Help? Yes you could. As you look at the ACWP "Wall of Rescue" and the photo album of the complex they have in their site "Half-Way Haven," even though you are not a citizen of that county, you could still help them in their struggle and just this time, contribute to their cause and have your name on the "Wall of Rescue, " and if you are not able to contribute the said amount to have your name on the "Wall of Rescue, " in your own great way, you could contribute a donation or your time to help the ACWP dream come true.
To get your name on the "Wall of Rescue," please make your check of $100.00 payable to the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. And on the "Memo" part of your check write "For the Wall of Rescue," and mail it to ANIMAL CONTROL AND WELFARE PROJECT, INC., P.O. BOX 236, HINTON, WV 25951. Your contribution is tax deductible.
Even if you do not have the means to contribute the said amount to be
on the "Wall of Rescue," any amount would be appreciated. Please make
sure you put in the "Memo" section, "Funds for the Animal
Shelter" or "Wall of Rescue" and that money will be used only for
that purpose.
Sam Amato, 5-26,2004
ACWP is having an Open House of the Half-Way Haven Complex
The Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. (ACWP) is proud to announce that renovation has begun of the Half-Way Haven. The Half-Way Haven is just that, a haven for homeless animals while they wait to be adopted by a special family. The animals housed at this facility are humanely cared for and respected. The Half-Way Haven is located at Pipestem Creek, but this is not a shelter set up for drop offs or public access.
The ACWP welcomes all for their "Open House" of the Half-Way Haven. The "Open House" will be Saturday, May 22, 2004 from 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. for the public and the ACWP members to see what has been done so far. Free soft drinks will be provided and Board Members will be available to walk you around and answer questions.
Directions to the Half-Way Haven: From Hinton, follow Route 20 toward
Pipestem passing over the Lilly Bridge (spans Bluestone. Continue for 2 miles.
The Haven is on the left side of the road. It’s a red building so you really
shouldn’t miss it.
5-19-2004
Dog Obedience Classes Being Offered Under ACWP’s Sponsorship
Angie Sweeney will once again be offering Dog Obedience Classes with the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc.’s (ACWP) sponsorship.
Classes will start at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, May 27, 2004 and continue for
five ( 5) weeks at the Hinton Area. Elementary Playground. The cost will be $45.
00 for ACWP members and $50.00 for non-members. For more information, called
"Taze" Tazewell at 1-304-466-6431.
5-19-2004
ACWP is Holding a Dessert Auction
and a chance for you to
"Meet the Candidates in Summers County "
The Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. in Summers County, WV is holding a dessert auction.
Different delicious desserts will be auctioned off on Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 6:00 p.m.at the Talcott Elementary School in the gymnasium and monies in this venture will help the ACWP perpetuate their program. Also, at this event you will be able to "Meet the Candidates" who are running for political office in Summers County.
Do you have a favorite dessert you would like to contribute to this auction?
If so please let Cheryl Lowry know by e-mailing her at cheryl_lowry@hotmail.com
or call the ACWP at 1- (304) 466-6935.
4-14-2004
Summers Humane Society Convenes Annual Meeting
HINTON - During the annual meeting of the Summers County Humane Society February 3, 2004 at the Dairy Queen in Hinton, Mary McMeekin and donor programs, reported 143 animals were spayed or neutered by the Animal Control and Welfare Project (ACWP) in 2003. The first year, 2000-2001, only 32 were performed.
Euthanasia decreased from 240 in the 2000-2001 (the first year of the organization’s history) to 132 in 2003.
Adoptions were up from 108 total in 2000-2001 to 302 in 2003. So far in 2004, dogs adopted out have been 108 dogs and 92 kittens through the Homeward Bound Trail Rescue in Arlington, VA.
Half Way Haven, the holding/transfer facility at Pipestem Creek open in 2003, has been leased indefinitely to ACWP as a donation. Presently, adoptable dogs are temporarily housed there until placed.
Although a building is present on the Half Way Haven, the building cannot be used until it is renovated which is estimated to cost about $7,000.00. Dogs are housed there in outdoor kennels but cats are housed in foster homes. Once the building is renovated, the goal is to be able to house smaller dogs and have an area for cats, hot water, an isolation area to clean up the animals and a small office.
Fund raised from the "Wall of Rescue," which is a plaque bearing donor’s name who have contributed $100.00 contribution, will be earmarked for the renovations and physical improvement at Halfway Haven.
Teresa Lawson, the founder of the organization says there is a great need for foster homes and volunteers in many capacities. Committees that particular need help are welfare/abuse control (picking up unwanted or abandoned pets), fostering, fund-raising and publicity.
Jack Wills, reporting for the education committee, said all Summers County elementary schools were visited in 2003. Programs to promote good pet ownership, safe animal handling and the need to spay and neuter pets were given.
Propose projects for 2004 include:
* Increased efforts to qualify for and receive grants.
* Solicitation for business sponsorships.
* Spring auction.
* "Prettiest Pet Contest."
* Donation jars.
* Bicycle and horseback trail rides.
A brief summarization from The Register-Herald’s The Post Report section. Written Thursday, March 4, 2004.
Cheryl Lowry, a board member and the web master of the ACWP web site said,
"Since the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. began on September 1,
2000 many monumental landmarks have been reached, but the fight to help the pets
in Summers County has just begun and volunteers and contributions are needed for
the ACWP to become all it hopes to be to help the pets in Summers County."
Lowry also states, " Please go to the homepage and access our site and see
our needs and if you can help, no matter from what area you live in, please do
so."
3-14-2004
ACWP, Inc. to Hold its Annual Meeting
The Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. will be holding its annual meeting of the general membership on Tuesday, February 3, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. at the Dairy Queen in Hinton, WV. During this meeting one third of the Board of Directors will be elected and after the general membership meeting, the new Board of Directors will meet and elect officers.
If you paid your membership dues since July 1, 2003, you are paid through December 31, 2004. If you paid your dues before July 1, 2003, then your 2004 dues are now due and payable. The Board has raised the dues from $15.00 to $25.00 a year for individuals. Also, the Board has created a family membership, for which the dues are $40.00 a year. You may pay your dues at the annual meeting.
The ACWP is hoping for a great turnout for this annual meeting and more new
members.
1-21-2004
ACWP NEWSLETTER
October/November, 2003
Dear Friends:
I think that all of us have joined and participated in this organization for the same bundle of reasons: we love animals; we do not want to see animals abused; we are concerned about strays; we would like to see as many animals as possible adopted into good homes; and so forth. Because of these reasons, the ACWP Board of Directors has initiated: a Spay/Neuter Program which has dramatically reduced the number of strays and animals euthanized; an Adoption Program to get healthy animals with all shots into the hands of people who will love them; a Program to Monitor the prosecution of animal abusers in our Court system; and an Educational Program which we take into the elementary schools to teach our children how to properly care for their pets.
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY We participate in the ACWP because we love animals, but unfortunately we, as a Board, spend a disproportionate amount of our time thinking about finances. We are in the process of building our budget for calendar year 2004. It appears that we will need $18,000 to carry on our activities. The single biggest expense is $3,600 for insurance. With the opening of the transfer facility, we are now also incurring utility expenses in the amount of about $3,800 a year. We have managed to keep labor costs at a minimum, but we do pay a young man $125 a month to feed the dogs at the transfer facility and clean the kennels. There are also expenses for cleaning supplies, pet food, travel, postage, office supplies and equipment. It all adds up. We will have the proposed budget available for your review at the annual meeting January 20th.
To date, we have received no support from governmental entities. We have depended entirely on dues, donations, fundraisers, and a few grants. In this calendar year that income has amounted to about $9,000. We are in the process of getting some money from the State through the Budget Digest, but we are limited in how we can use that money to the purchase of equipment only. It appears that we will need to come up with an additional $10,000 next year just to continue our present programs. We simply can not sustain the organization with fundraisers and dues. We don’t know what the answer is, but we are searching.
SPEAKING OF FUNDRAISERS, Emily Briers is selling chances on a Lazy Boy Recliner for $2.00 each. All net proceeds will go to the ACWP. Tickets may be purchased at Briers Furniture. The drawing will be held before Christmas.
ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR We are providing as a benefit to the ACWP membership an Estate Planning Seminar on November 13, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. at the office of Ziegler & Gunnoe, 110 James Street, Hinton. This seminar is free for members and $50 for non-members. Subjects to be covered include: What should be in a Will? Do you need a Family Trust? Elements of the Probate Process. Is the Probate Process really all that complicated? Do you need to worry about Estate Taxes? The presenters will be Attorney David Ziegler and CPA Billy "Skip" Mills. Please call 466-1224 to reserve a place as the space is limited.
David L. Ziegler
President
Help Wanted, Donations of all Kind, Needed
The Animal Control and Welfare Project (ACWP) is growing and, fortunately, we
are finding homes for more and more dogs, pups, cats, kittens and the occasional
rabbit. Unfortunately, we are in constant need. To help address some of these
more pressing needs, we have pinpointed certain items that we use often. If you
have any of these items, please feel free to contact us. We will arrange
pick-ups or arrange drop-off points for you.
towels (used both as carrier liners, kitten & puppy pen liners and for
drying)
newspapers (also used as carrier liners)
bleach (to wash the many towels)
dog food
puppy food
cat food
kitten food
flea medication (both the one-day dose and monthly doses needed)
dog collars
dog houses
dog shampoo
Volunteers are also needed to foster animals when the kennels are full.
Volunteers are needed for weekends to clean kennels and feed & walk
critters.
Please contact any of the following if you have items to donate:
ACWP Voice Mail system (304) 466-6935. Leave a message. Someone will contact
you.
Teresa Lawson (304) 466-3566
Mary McMeekin (304) 466-5117
Cheryl Lowry (304) 466-4975
E-Mail: Cheryl Lowry cheryl_lowry@hotmail.com
Donations may also be sent to ACWP, PO Box 236, Hinton, WV 25951.
9/10/2003
ACWP NEWSLETTER TO THE MEMBERS
August 11, 2003
Dear Friends:
The Dunking Booth at the Water Festival was a great success. It appears that we
made a net profit of about $600. Many thanks to the ACWP Members who put in long
hours organizing it, the volunteers who let themselves be dunked, and the
hundreds of people who paid money to throw baseballs.
We have several fundraisers coming up in the fall: We will once again have a
Booth at Railroad Days, featuring all sorts of good things to eat and the
prettiest pet contest. Sammy Crook is organizing a horseback trail ride to
benefit the ACWP. And I am organizing a bicycle trip from Cass to Caldwell on
the Greenbrier River Trail from October 7 to October 9. If you want more
information about any of these events, contact Mary McMeekin (466-5117) about
the Railroad Days, Sammy Crook (466-5606) about the trail ride or me (466-1224
or 466-0702) about the bike trip.
One of the real success stories of the ACWP has been the Spay/Neuter Program. I
think many of you realize that the primary motive to organize the ACWP was the
large number of stray animals in the county and the fact that so many stray
animals led to a high number of euthanized animals. At the annual meeting of the
membership of the ACWP in January 2001, you members made it clear to the board
that you placed a high priority on a Spay/Neuter Program. The first hurdle was
to determine how to pay for this program. Several members of the board got
together with Donna Baker and Anna Lilly to develop a Donor Program. The idea
was to get as many people as possible to commit to a monthly donation. The
program got into full swing in early 2002.
At that time we had 13 members of this organization who had pledged a total of
$315 a month. In addition, we had 62 members who gave a onetime donation
totaling $3,148. The beneficial results were dramatic: in 2002 we spayed or
neutered 68 animals.
About a year ago it came to our attention that the Bob Barker Foundation and the
D.J.T. Foundation had grants available for Spay/Neuter. The ACWP applied and we
were given a $5,000 renewable grant. We have gone through the $5,000 and applied
for a renewal. Again, the results have been dramatic: we have spayed or neutered
70 animals in the first 6 months of this year.
Both Jerry Wheeler, the dog warden, and Dr. Connie Hyler-Boothe have noticed a
significant decrease in the number of animals euthanized. Both of them credit
the ACWP Spay/ Neuter Program for this decrease. Obviously, it is a program
which is beneficial and needs to be continued. Unfortunately, the level of
support for the donor program has gone down, just as we are
noticing the benefits of the program. In June of this year, we had only 5
members participating in the monthly pledge program, with pledges totaling $95
for the month. The one-time donors have also decreased in 2003 to 9 members.
Some of you may believe that because we have received the grant from Bob Barker/D.J.T.
that we do not need to continue the donor program.
That is not true. The grant from Bob Barker/D.J.T. covers part of the
Spay/Neuter only; it does not cover the co-pay, nor can we use it to pay for
vaccinations. We make certain that all of the animals that we put through the
Spay/Neuter Program and the Adoption Program have the full complement of
recommended shots, not just because the vets require them, but also because
we believe that it's the best practice for the animals. Furthermore, the fact we
make sure that the animals in the Adoption Program have all of their shots makes
it much easier to adopt those animals out.
This program has proven to be successful. For those of you who are participating
now or have made donations in the past, we thank you. If you have not
participated, or if you have stopped participating, please review your situation
and consider helping this worthy program. For more
information call Donna Baker at 466-0251 Wed - Fri.
The ACWP is now 102 members strong. There is strength in numbers. If each of you
who is receiving this letter will recruit one new member, we can double our
strength. Anyone paying dues between now and the end of the year will be paid
through the end of 2004. Get the name and phone number of the new prospective
member. Then call Teresa Lawson at 466-6935, and she will get a membership
application form out to the prospective member.
If you are receiving this by regular mail, and if you have an email address, you
can help us cut mailing and stationary costs by giving us your email address.
Thanks for your help
David L. Ziegler,
President
Al/dz 3 August 11, 2003
Making a Difference
Saturday, August 2, 2003, being a beautiful summer day, I decided to journey to Hinton, WV to see some of the gala events that were taking place during Hinton’s 39th annual West Virginia State Water Festival.
My main interest in this excursion was to see what activities the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc.(ACWP) were doing on this day to promote their organization. Although, I knew since the ACWP was organized that they have always participated in community events to perpetuate their program and to use this opportunity to raise needed funds, I had never attended any of these events.
Upon arriving in Hinton on this afternoon day, I journeyed to the area near the court house where a carnival atmosphere was located and began walking to the booth manned by the ACWP. As I was approaching the ACWP’s booth, a gentleman wanted to know if I would be willing to try to dunk the undertaker in a booth that they were sponsoring. At that time, I did not know this dunking booth belonged to Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. and the gentleman’s name is Dennis Alder, an ACWP volunteer. But one thing I did notice about Mr. Alder was his enthusiasm in what he was doing and in the friendly spirit he was doing it. Although I decline his offer to dunk the local undertaker, Lee Pivont, I noticed many didn’t and Mr. Pivont was getting dunked in the water quite often.
At the ACWP booth, I found the two ladies manning the booth, Mary McMeekins and Emma Kulscar to be such very pleasant people. I was offered and did take several handouts they had concerning their organization and listen with earnest with what the ACWP had done and were trying to do in Summers County. The two ladies were selling slices of cold watermelon and lapel pins made of Milk Bones. If ever I had seen an ingenious idea that definitely was one.
Prior to my departure, I was able to meet Teresa Lawson and her husband, Tim. Although I had heard many nice things about the Lawsons, I had never met these pleasant people. When there were " no voices" for the unwanted animals in Summers County, the Lawsons heard their cries and gave them aid and comfort and try to adopt them out. And then one day, Mrs. Lawson thought to herself, "enough is enough" and in March 2000 she appeared before the County Commission to voice her concerns about unwanted animals being dropped off near her home. From this humble beginning, Mrs. Lawson found other animal lovers and the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. was organized.
While talking to Mrs. Lawson, she was very happy that they had found a "No Kill" shelter in another area and many of their dogs were being taken there to be adopted out. I think she also said they found a refugee for their cats.
Also, a person I was able to meet prior to my departure was Jerry Wheeler the "dog man" so they call him. I have heard a lot of praise about Jerry Wheeler and how he has worked with the ACWP so the unwanted animals he finds has a second chance at life.
Regretfully, I was not there at the water festival to see the ACWP’s pet show or them riding their float in the parade. But what little time I spent in Summers County, I can happily say, I did see a group of ACWP’s member who are working diligently and with great love to make a difference for our animal friends and without pay. They and all their members are to be admired.
To learn more about the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. in Summers County, please go to the homepage and access their site. To see photos of the people I have spoken about, please Click Here.
Sam Amato 7/2/2003
A LETTER FROM DAVID ZIEGLER TO THE ACWP MEMBERSHIP
June 27, 2003
Dear Friends:
One of the complaints that the Board of Directors of ACWP has heard from time to
time is that we fail to keep the general membership informed of our activities.
The truth of the matter is that we have been engaged in so many activities that
it is difficult to make time to get out a newsletter. The expense of postage has
also been a deterrent. This letter is the first of what I hope will be many to
the general membership so that you will know what is happening. If you are
receiving this by regular mail and you have email, you can help us keep costs
down by giving us your email address.
The big news this spring is that we are developing a holding station for dogs
that we believe are adoptable. This came about through a chain of circumstances.
For several years, we have supported the county and city dogcatcher. In return,
the dogcatcher has agreed to keep dogs that he
considered to be adoptable longer than the minimum time required by law so that
we could attempt to find someone to adopt the dog. This program was moderately
successful, but there were problems. The dogcatcher did not have sufficient
space to keep excess dogs. As a result, the dogs were crowded and unnecessarily
exposed to diseases (many of the dogs picked up by the
dogcatcher do not have the proper vaccinations). Furthermore, we found that the
dogcatcher was being forced to euthanize dogs that we thought could be adopted
because of the lack of kennel space.
We had developed contacts with humane societies in the Washington D.C. area who
have a shortage of dogs to adopt and who are willing to take our excess dogs. It
seemed a terrible shame to be killing dogs that could have been adopted in the
D.C. area, so the situation became urgent.
About 2 months ago Teresa and Tim Lawson offered to make available some property
they own to be used as a holding and transfer facility. We have 3 portable
kennels, 10' x 10', on the site now, and we are able to keep 3 to 6dogs at a
time. This is only a temporary facility. We are drawing up plans to build a more
permanent structure that will include a concrete slab, a
roof and 12 kennels, 5' x 10' each. Our preliminary estimate is that this
facility will cost $6,000. We are in the process of trying to figure out how to
get those funds.
We are accepting only those dogs that we believe have the potential to be
adopted. Unfortunately, many dogs do not have that potential, and those dogs are
still being euthanized. This means that our ongoing spay and neuter program is
still as important as ever, and needs your continuing support.
Let me emphasize that this holding facility is not a traditional animal shelter.
It is not staffed on a regular basis. We can not have animals dumped there. If
you think you have an animal that is eligible for adoption, call the ACWP
number, 466-6935, option one.
One of the consequences of developing this holding facility is that the annual
budget for ACWP is going to increase from about $6,000 to $15,000. We are paying
a young man $125 per month to feed the dogs twice a day. We will also start to
incur monthly electric, water and trash fees. Insurance will be a major expense.
All of this has put a lot more pressure on the Board of Directors to come up
with fund raisers that will support this project. It is our intention to sponsor
fund raisers that will offer to you and the general public goods and services
that are desirable. We hope that you will support these
fund raisers, as you continue your general support of the Animal Control and
Welfare Project.
Since January 1, 2003 we have adopted out 25 animals. Right now we have
available for adoption 24 dogs and 11 cats. If you need a pet or know someone
who wants a pet, please call us first.
David L. Ziegler
President, ACWP
Al/dz 4 June 13, 2003
ACWP Deserves Praise
The Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. in Summers County is to be praised for their attempt to get the pets under their care adopted via Internet. The organization not only has an MSN web site on wvpetpages.com, but has expanded their horizon and is now showing pets for adoption from their temporary 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.
Please adopt your pet companions from the animal shelters, etc. You will never regret saving a life. (5-30-2003)
BAF Fund Set Up for Avian Center
Three Rivers Avian Center in Summers County is the beneficiary of a new fund at the Beckley Area Foundation.
The center is a register 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose two-fold mission is to provide veterinary and rehabilitative care for threatened wild birds, and to educate the public in natural resource conservation and research.
Wendy Perrone serves as the executive director of TRAC and Ron Perrone is the education director.
The fund was established by Joyce Broyles and her husband, Randall. Mrs. Broyles feels strongly this organization, like other nonprofit charitable entities in the area, will benefit from having a permanent endowment to help support their annual expense.
The facility accepts orphaned, injured, ill or displaced wild birds and strives to return them to the wild.
During the past year, TRAC has begun an internship program, offering on-the-job experience for individuals interested in disciplines related to the work of the avian center. The center also offers an extensive education program with special presentation for schools, civics groups and other organization interested in learning about "West Virginia Birds of Prey." TRACS offers a free teacher resource packet entitled "The New River Gorge: A Study in Ecosystems."
The center is located on a 102-acre wildlife sanctuary in Summers County, just off W.Va. 20 near Hinton in the New River Gorge.
The fund is open for additional gifts from anyone who is interested in supporting the center through an endowment. Make check out to BAF-Three Rivers Avian Center and mail to Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801.
For further information about TRAC, call 466-4638 or check its web site. For this or other Beckley Area Foundation funds, call 253-3806.
Summarization from The Register-Herald, Sunday, March 2, 2003. From staff reporter.
Congratulations are in Stored
Congratulations to the Summers County Commissioners who granted $7,000.00 for the purpose of spaying and neutering stray cats and dogs in Summers County to the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc.(ACWP). Also, the ACWP who is a newly founded organization to help our animal friends is to be praised and admire for the progress they have made since their organization has been formed.
To learn more about ACWP, please go to their web site on the wvpetpages.com’s home page.
Information concerning the Summers County Commissioners grant to the ACWP was derived from The Register-Herald, Tuesday, August 20, 2002. Reporter, Mannix Porterfield.
The Hinton Area Foundation Assist the ACWP
The Hinton Area Foundation at a reception held recently awarded to the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. a check for $1000.00 for the purpose of formulating plans to create an animal shelter for Summers County. In the year 2001, the Dog Warden picked up approximately 200 stray animals. The ACWP feels with a shelter they would be in a position to place more animals for adoption. Ralph Wilson, assistant treasure of the foundation, presented the check to Teresa Lawson, President of the ACWP.
Typed verbatim from The Register-Herald, Thursday, May 9, 2002.
Animal Project Seeks Donation for Auction
HINTON - The Animal Control and Welfare Project of Summers County is currently seeking donations for it’s 2nd annual Giant Auction.
The auction, set to take place Saturday, April 13, at 6 p.m. at Talcott Elementary School in summers County.
The proceeds from this community auction will help the group feed, spay-neuter, or find homes for helpless animals in the coming year. The spay-neuter program has already been effective and the organization is working to effectuate a program of assistance to the animals of the county.
To donate or for more information, call 466-2449, 466-6451 or 466-1035.
Summarization from The Register-Herald, Thursday, April 4, 2002.
Individual Donors needed for Animal Control Project
HINTON - The Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. of Summers County is currently seeking individual donors willing to contribute a monthly pledge amount to be used for spaying, neutering and other expense associated with adopting an animal.
To effectuate a program of assistance to low income families in our area we need funding. This program is a critical part of our long term goal of reducing the number of unwanted animals in Summers County.
This program is an opportunity to truly help the helplessness.
Given a choice, no animal wants to give birth to several litters year only to have their babies taken away and destroyed.
If you would like to pledge a monthly amount write: A.C.W.P, donor Program, P.O. Box 118, Nitmiz, WV 25978.
Also accepted are one time contributions.
Typed verbatim from The Register-Herald, Thursday, March 11, 2002.
Clinic Offering Spay, Neuter
HINTON-The Summers County Animal and Welfare Project Inc. has joined with Dr. Connie Hyler-Both to hold a spay-neuter clinic for cats only Feb. 4 through Feb. 15.
Call Dr. Hyler-Both’s office at 466-0251 to schedule an appointment.
Copied verbatim from The Register-Herald, Thursday, January 31, 2002.
Three Cheers for ACWP
Three cheers for the Summers County’s Animal Control and Welfare Project who Saturday, August 4, 2001, who participated in the West Virginia Water Festival through Hinton with dogs available for adoption. Special praises to Briana Karl, age 11, who with others rode with the dogs during this event.
Rabies Warning Issued for Summers County
Following a recent outbreak, the Summers County Health Department is taking steps to warn residents to make sure their pets are vaccinated.
According to health department nurse Sandra Ball, four cases of rabies have been identified in the county, and in the past week rabies has been identified in a young dog.
"During the entire time that I have worked here, this is the first time I have seen a domesticated animal with rabies," said Ball, a 10-year veteran of the department.
The strain identified in the dog, which was owned by a family in the Zion Mountain area, came from a raccoon.
"It’s really important that people get their animals vaccinated," said Ball. Although no vaccine is 100 percent effective, Ball said it can "go a long way" in protecting a pet from the disease.
She added the department has also received reports of wild animal behaving strangely.
Signs that a wild animal could be rabid include staggering as if drunk, unprovoked aggression, a presences of bodily wounds, or in some case, unnatural tameness.
If you think that you have been in contact with a rabid animal, contact your local health department.
Summarization from The Register-Herald, Saturday, August 11, 2001. Staff reporter.
Summers County Grand Auction a Success
Summers County had a "Grand Auction" Saturday, May 26, 2001 at Talcott Elementary. All proceeds are designated to be use for the spaying and neutering of animals in Summers County, WV. Thanks to the expertise of their auctioneer, Buddy Light, a resident of Summers County, the auction brought $1,700.00 which was more then the Animal Control and Welfare Project had expected. Here is hoping that the ACWP will continue prospering financially and receiving the support from the Summers County’s citizens so their endeavor to help our animal friends in their county will be beyond their wildest dreams.
Wildlife Hospital Opens
West Virginia now has the first wildlife hospital built by a nonprofit organization.
The 2,400-square-foot structure situated on the grounds of the Three Rivers Avian Center near Hinton is equipped with surgical capability, X-ray equipment and full physical therapy capability, and provides indoor/outdoor housing for non-releaseable birds.
"We’re really excited about this, not only for its potential to help us save wild birds more quickly and efficient, but because it starts West Virginian on a path with other states that have recognized the importance of saving wildlife," executive director Wendy Perone said.
She and her husband, Ron Perone, nurse hundreds of injured birds back to health each year and releases as many as possible back into the wild.
By getting the word out about the new clinic, the Perones hope to raise awareness of the need to change some state laws to provide wildlife rehabilitation efforts in West Virginia.
The grand opening of the new wildlife hospital at the Three River Avian Center near Hinton will be Saturday, May 5, 2000 beginning at 1:30 P.M.
To get to the Three River Avian Center, take Exit 139 on Interstate 64 and follow WV 20 south to Brooks Mountain Road and follow signs.
Summarization from The Register-Herald, Thursday, May 3, 2001. Reporter, Bev Davis.
Hats off to "Hinton Daily News"
Special thanks to the "Hinton Daily News" in Summers County who each week contributes a space in their paper, free of charge, to the ACWP so they can post one of their pets up for adoptions.
This generous act by the "Hinton Daily News" is deeply appreciated by the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. in Summers County because this generosity is something they needed but could ill afford.
"Hinton Daily News," three cheers to you for your good Samaritan act to the ACWP and our animal friends. 4/7/2001
Teresa Lawson, a "Mother Theresa" for Our Animal Friends
As of 03-18-01 ACWP had only five dogs up for adoption. Teresa and her husband have adopted a total of seven dogs themselves not including the five above posted in our web site. She continues to do an outstanding job at findings homes for many of the dogs. Littleton Tazewell
As I talk to Mr. Tazewell who is a board member of the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. in Summers County concerning Mrs. Lawson’s commitment to help our animal friends, I could not help but think to myself that she is a Mother Theresa for our animal friends.
Mrs. Lawson’s days are filled with duties she attends to, in order to help our animal friends. She does these acts from the goodness or her heart without compensation. Though Mrs. Lawson feels that when she has given aid to one of the abandoned or homeless animals in Summers County, money could never be a substitute for the pride she takes in knowing she has helped one of our four legged friends in their struggle in life.
May Mrs. Lawson and the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. prosperous for truly they are dedicated to their cause in being caring and compassionate caretakers of our animal friends. Also, may the citizens in Summers County realize how blessed they are to have such caring people in their county and may some other citizens in the area volunteer his or her service to the ACWP to enable them to reach their goals.4/7/2001
Five Vicious Dogs are Destroyed
Five male pit bull dogs sized from a Summers County home Wednesday have been destroyed because they were a threat to the community.
Teresa Lawson, president of Animal Control & Welfare Project, Inc. filed a petition Thursday in Summers County Magistrate Court requesting the animals be destroyed in a humane way.
According to her statement, she accompanied the dog warden and State Trooper Mark Painter to an unidentified Jumping Branch residence to investigate a report the owner was training the animals to fight. Official found five dogs chained in the yard. While the dogs were being removed, two got into a fight and one was shot at the scene.
Lawson wrote all five animals were in poor condition. She asked the court to authorize veterinarian Dr. Connie Hyler-Both to euthanize the remaining four dogs.
Magistrate J. W. "Bill" Jeffries granted the petition. His order stated the dog were vicious, dangerous and in the habit of biting or attacking people or animals. The dogs were destroyed Thursday.
Summarization from The Register-Herald, Saturday, February 10, 2001, by Staff Reporter
Summers County's "Animal Control and Welfare Project" web site is on-line
Congratulations are in order to the Animal Control and Welfare Project, Inc. in Summers County, WV. The ACWP is an organization which was established in the Summer of 2000 to aid and comfort the abandoned animals in Summers County. In March of 2000, Teresa Lawson realized the need of such an organization and by August of 2000, such an organization, the ACWP was established by her efforts and a group of citizens in Summers County and it is forging forward to their goals.
Adding another milestone to the victorious steps of the ACWP is that on January 23, 2001, the ACWP had made their own MSN web site which will allow them to use the Internet to get their message across to the public. And what is so unusual about this feat is that the ACWP has no designated headquarters, no computer, and is not on line, but yet managed to use a computer from someone on-line to develop their web site.
I would be willing to say that it will be very interesting to see how the ACWP will develop in the next few years. You can see they are taking little footsteps, one at a time, at a steady gait, which will soon be seen as one big giant step.
Please enter their web site which is on the home page of this web site and
mark it as your favorite. Also, if you can help them in any manner, I am sure
you will be proud that you did.
1/21/2001
Three Rivers Avian Center, A Sanctuary for our Birds
Ron and Wendy Perrone of Three Rivers Avian Center near Hinton has given more than 1,200 birds the opportunity to spread their wings and fly high because of their unique lifestyle.
From their simple woodframe home atop Brooks Mountain near Hinton on a 102-acre bird sanctuary, Ron and Wendy Perrone operate the Three Rivers Avian Center, where they care for injured birds with the hope of re-introducing them into the wild. The Perrones says that since 1990, "We’ve had 1250 patients and a 48 percent release rate."
The Perrones go to the classroom to educate the children about ways we can appreciate birds and other forms of wildlife forms.
The Perrones also invite the public to the refuge to learn about the cycles of nature and the importance of using natural resources wisely.
Summarization from the Register-Herald written by Bev Davis on October 26, 2000. 11/5/2000
Animal Welfare Group Getting Itself Organized
Summers County now has an official group devoted to animal protection and responsible ownership.
Animal Control & Welfare Project Inc. opened its membership and fund-raising drive at a public meeting Tuesday evening, September 12, 2000. About 20 people attended.
Animal Control will assist efforts to spay/neuter animals and adopt out healthy animals. The long term goal is to establish a fully funded animal shelter. Summers County does not have a shelter.
The group invites membership from anyone with concern about animal welfare and especially persons who have training and experience in animal care.
The board of directors meet the third Tuesday of each month at 12:15 p.m. in Ziegler’s law office across from the courthouse.
Persons who want more information concerning the Animal Control and Welfare Project may page Lawson at 254-5049 or write to P.O. Box 236, Hinton, WV 25951.
Summarization from the Register-Herald, September 15, 2000, Reporter Nerissa Young.
Summers Group Organize for Humane Animal Control
In the Register-Herald, Friday, September 1, 2000, written by Nerissa Young, it reports that Teresa Lawson has spearheaded an organization to help our animal friends in Summers County. The name of the organization is Animal Control and Welfare Project and at this time their goals are to implement spay/neuter and animal placement programs.
I have personally talked to Mrs. Lawson and admire her two-year battle in trying to get the Summers County’s residents to address the plight that the abandoned animals in Summer County are facing. Mrs. Lawson is concerned that stray animals are shot instead of humanely euthanized and question the viability of opening a county animal shelter.
Here is hoping that the good citizens of Summers County will give her the moral and financial support their newly organization needs and that Mrs. Lawson’s two year battle in helping the animals in that area will soon become a reality. Also, here is hoping that the schools in Summers County will take up her cause and assist her organization in their effort.
Persons who want more information concerning the Animal Control and Welfare Project may page Lawson at 254-5049 or write to P.O. Box 236, Hinton, WV 25951.
The Lawsons Fights for Their Animal Friends in Summers County
Hats Off to Teresa Lawson and her husband who live near Leatherwood Road in Summers County and tries to give comfort and find homes for the many dogs abandoned on that stretch of road. May the Lawsons and the 680 people who signed a petition calling for enforcement of criminal penalties for animal abuse and abandonment and expressing support for proper handling of dogs to the Summers County Commission soon become a reality. May her fight to establish a shelter for our animal friends soon materialize.
Summarization from the Register-Herald, March 21, 2000, and written by Nerissa Young.
After stumbling off a hillside, a fawn could have fallen from a cliff in Hinton earlier this month had a state trooper not crawled out on a ledge to its rescue.
During a routine inspection at the State Police detachment on W.Va. 20, a man ran through the front door telling troopers a fawn had fallen off the hillside across from the barracks and was "stuck on the cliffs," 1st Lt. Danny Johns said.
Police stopped heavy traffic before Senior Trooper Mark Painter started "crawling up the cliff to attempt to catch the terrified fawn," Johns explained. Painter somehow managed to slide the fawn down the hill to another trooper.
Upon returning to the detachment, the three officers began making calls in an attempt to find the fawn a new habitat. A local farmer known to raise orphan deer adopted the fawn.
Copied from The Register-Herald, July 4, 2000, and written by a Staff Reporter