Dear Editor,

As some may know, the Harrison County Dog Pound partnered earlier this year with the Belmont Correctional Institution to place dogs into the prison dog training program. The program helps dogs become more adoptable by teaching them basic obedience. The HCDP has room for only 15 dogs (18 dogs if all kennels were usable, but 3 are not) so it’s extremely helpful in making more room at the pound. One of the differences between the HCDP from other counties’ homeless dog facilities is that Harrison County operates a pound rather than a shelter. One of the differences between a pound and shelters in this area is that there is no vetting provided at the pound. In order to send dogs to the prison training program, they must be fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered. About a year ago, a group of us got together and formed the Harrison County Dog Pound Volunteers. We are a very small, but dedicated group of people who transport the dogs to forever homes, host adoption days at Rural King in St. Clairsville, walk them, and pay for the vetting of the dogs bound for the prison as well as for dogs who may be ill while at the pound out of our own pockets because Harrison County doesn’t provide this.

On Saturday, June 13, Tammy Reynolds, owner of Dogs R Us Grooming in Adena sponsored a fundraiser to help us continue to help the Harrison County Dog Pound dogs. It was held at the Adena Community Center and raised over $3,600 for us!! All the money raised was put onto our accounts at the Cadiz Animal Clinic and New Horizon Animal Hospital. An event that raises this kind of money is no easy feat. So, on behalf of the Harrison County Dog Pound Volunteers and all the dogs that will be helped with this money, we would like to thank the following people: First and foremost is Tammy Reynolds who put this fundraiser together and who also grooms our dogs when they are in need. Many thanks to Kathy and Gary Helms, Sharon Baugh, Carol Reynolds, Diana Carothers, Heather Howell, Pixie Wootchie, and James Martin who helped set up and take down, sold 50/50 tickets, Chinese auction tickets, baked goods, and yard sale items. Many thanks to the Adena Heritage Committee: Lynn McConnell, Judy Whiting, Steve Whiting, Shari Friend, Beth Ann Burke, and Megan Webb for “manning” the food stand. Many thanks also go to all the vendors who were there: Tracie Cole, Pixie Woochie, Chrissy Edgar, Christine Lollithin, Bobi Gaffney, Anna Moore, Steve and Judy Whiting, Carol Reynolds, Jamie Wallace, Heather Howell, and Julie Watkins. Of course many thanks also go to all the people who attended because without them, this wouldn’t have been the success it was.

Those who know me know I always like to say that it takes a village, and this particular village worked incredibly hard to raise this money and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. This weekend, one of our dogs at the prison was adopted and is going to be a certified service dog for a disabled veteran. The basic obedience training he received at the prison will enable him to complete his service dog training quickly in North Carolina where he will be assisting a man who proudly served his country.

On Friday, we sent another dog to the prison to take his place.

Again, many thanks to everyone who worked so hard to help us help the dogs!

Sincerely,

Cindi Yanez

Rescue/Adoption Coordinator

Harrison County Dog Pound