Windham County Sheriff's Department
~ Breaking News ~

Setting the record straight on Humane Society

Editor of the Reformer:

I would like to quickly update the community, and attempt to clear up misinformation, about our own Windham County Humane Society. As we have read over the past months nonprofits have gone out of existence, been helped by a large financial gift, or had to re-align themselves to continue to meet their missions. WCHS is no different from others. It is costly to house, feed, and care for a variety of animals 365 days a year.

This year the board decided to take the step that many say should have been taken some time ago. That being to put the organization on a sound financial basis, existing within its budget, participating more actively and openly with the community, and at the same time expanding its programs and services.

As many past boards and volunteers know, there have been times when WCHS could have been in very dire straits if it had not been for the sudden appearance of a substantial bequest, out of the blue. This is no way for an organization to exist.

After researching other successful human societies around the country we believe that we have been able to create a structure that better serves our mission and the criteria previously stated.

Unfortunately the new structure does not include the position of shelter manager and our long time employee Sue Caviola had to be let go.

We have been meeting with Sheriff Clark pursing his proposal for coordinating the county's animal neglect/abuse needs. As Sue agreed in the Reformer article, it would be better if one legal entity coordinated this activity. The humane society's mission is to care for the animals, while the law enforcement and legal community handles the sometimes very long legal process. As an aside, during this next year we are trying to address the problem, hopefully with the state, of having to house and care for animals that we are required to keep for months with no funding whatsoever, and without the possibility of adopting out, until the court case is decided.  (BOLD Enphasis added)

Our veterinary care has improved with a former vet on our board who lives "just down the road" and is able to be readily available, unlike previously. We are also working with local veterinarians to create what would be a "round robin." That is, one of the local doctors would be scheduled to come in maybe once a month for a couple of hours to do what may be needed, i.e. spay/neuter, rabies shots since legally only a veterinarian can give this shot.

As to our recent "Walk For The Animals," we are attempting to make our annual walk a major fundraiser. We worked hard to make it bigger and better and yes incorporated the American Legion Band which charges for their appearance. Was it worth it? By all accounts those who attended and watched along the route thought it was a great success and we were able to raise more money than before. Sometimes you have to spend money to get money. Watch out heifers ,here come the animals.

The staff and board welcomes all input from the community and looks forward to you visiting the shelter.

Stewart McDermet

WCHS board president

Nov. 3