CURRENT PROJECTS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Humane Societies like PCHS are known for their efforts to help animals, but we're also interested in helping people, too. Implementing educational programs, organizing spay/neuter services, coordinating rescue efforts, and getting everyone involved (especially children!) benefits the whole community - people and animals alike.
Working with the PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin
The PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin helps to transport adoptable dogs from areas of overpopulation to areas where there are more homes available. Since the program's introduction in 2004, over 17,000 dogs have been saved. The Rescue Waggin program also provides financial assistance for spay/neuter programs and shelter improvement. You can read more about the program on their website.
PCHS was accepted into the program in 2007, and since then, we've sent many, many dogs to shelters in the northeast US. Before each visit, dogs must be selected, screened for behavioral and medical issues, and fully vaccinated. On the morning the waggin arrives, dogs must be checked one last time and then loaded into the climate-controlled truck. We always need lots of extra hands to wrangle the dogs (at least 15 each trip!) and clean up afterwards. Think you might be interested in helping us? Please check out our volunteering page for more details or just contact us!
Feline Fixathon
Feline Fixathon is our annual spay/neuter campaign for cats. Cat overpopulation is a huge problem in Pulaski County, and the first step towards fixing it is preventing further litters! During the month of March each year, you can schedule a spay/neuter surgery with one of our participating local vets for 1/2 price*. Just download the coupon from our website or pick one up at our office.
*This discount does NOT apply to other services the vet may require such as vaccinations, exams, or medications. It also does not apply to other services you may request such as grooming or boarding.
The 2008 Feline Fixathon Coupon is here!
Cat Colony Caretakers
There are many feral cats in our county. These cats live outside, fend for themselves, and unfortunately, produce many more kittens each year. What can you do to help? Consider becoming a Cat Colony Caretaker!
More information coming soon!
Driving through Pulaski
With help from Pulaski, we have banners that hang from the lightpoles around town. These banners raise awareness about the PCHS and remind everyone to Spay and Neuter their pets.
These billboards were sponsored by the ASPCA National Shelter Outreach & Heinz Products/9 Lives at no cost to shelters and rescue groups nationally. Lamar Advertising posts these billboards for us throughout Pulaski county in spaces that are awaiting rental.
Involving Our School Children
The PCHS works to teach our young people how to care for their pets and encourages them to help animals in need.
We are always eager to present "pet care" seminars to school age students. In past years, volunteers have visited the Claremont Elementary 2nd grade after-schoolers and participated in their Summer "Pet Theme" party.
When it comes to helping animals in need, the local students have been very involved. The 6th grade "Civic Pride" group from Claremont raised nearly $1,000.00 for the new shelter by holding a bakesale and Dog Walk-a-thon. During a visit to the Radford High Teen Living 8th graders, each student made a special tile for the new shelter.
The
Claremont 6th grade Civil Pride group
We are currently working to provide local schools and libraries with some of the ASPCA companion animal books that have received the Henry Bergh Award. Recently, the Pulaski County Humane Society, Radford Animal Hospital, and Tipton Ridge Veterinary Medical Center came together to purchase over 70 of these books for the local libraries. All students should have humane education materials available to them to teach kindness and compassion for all creatures, and the humane society hopes to make this an annual giving program.
 Lots of new books wrapped and ready for delivery! |
 Each book has a special PCHS Bookplate inside the cover. |
 Daisy, a dog adopted from the Pulaski Shelter, presents books to Dot Ogburn, the Pulaski County Public Library Director. |
 Jennie and her dog, Zanz, presenting books at Snowville Elementary. |
Animal Abuse
Animal abuse is a serious issue locally and nationally. The PCHS works to prevent animal abuse in our community through education.
Did you know that the causes of violence toward animals are directly related to the causes toward humans? Research indicates that:
- In the cycle of violence, animals are usually the last link in a chain of violence that filters down from the strongest family member to the weakest.
- Children raised in an abusive household may imitate this behavior with animals. (In 2003, Pulaski County was ranked second highest in the State for percentage of children abused or neglected)
- Children typically abuse animals to release aggression they feel toward abusive adults.
- Children who abuse animals are more likely to abuse people as they get older.
- Those in prison for violent crimes have usually abused animals in their childhood.
One of the most common forms of animal abuse is neglect. Neglect means denying a living thing its basic needs: food, water, shelter, and medical care. Letting an animal or person suffer from starvation, dehydration, severe weather, injury, or parasites is just cruel.
Animals and people don't have to undergo this needless suffering. YOU can be an important factor in making sure they don't. You can:
- Report animal abuse or neglect to your local humane society (In the Pulaski County area, please contact the animal control to report the abuse. They can be reached at (540)674-8359).
- Vote on legislation concerning education, social service delivery, and the allocation of funds toward the prevention of abuse to animals and people in your community and country.
- Support organizations that protect animals and children by contributing time or money.