The “Animal Welfare Heroes 2022”Competition Hosted By The Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals, Inc., http://www.BurtonFletcherFoundation.org
The Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals wishes to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to Animal Welfare, including volunteerism, fostering, adoption, donations, spaying and neutering, while giving local Animal Welfare organizations donations!
The competitions’ three winners will choose which Animal Welfare organizations will receive their portion of the Awarded Competition Money donation, which will be no less than $2500 in total! Nominating and voting for your favorite person and their listed organization, will take place on the official Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals website. You can nominate, and vote, up to five (5) times for different people, but only one time for any one individual.
The competition is open to nominees in the following South Georgia. The voting deadline is March 1, 2022, so don’t delay! (see details below)
PLEASE FILL AND FOLLOW THE CONTEST RULES BELOW
Animal Welfare Heroes 2022 Nominees.
Alice Wright
Article
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Alice Wright is my hero. Alice is the most kind-hearted but fierce woman that I am blessed to have in my life. Her unconditional love and fight for our four-legged babies are undeniable. She has almost lost her hand this year while putting herself at risk of helping dogs! Alice works full time, way over 40 hours a week, and she works full time rescuing animals. Not just dogs, either. She is always willing to answer the call for help no matter what. Alice is so deserving of this recognition in our world. I’m proud and very blessed to her, my friend.
If you’d like to contribute, please donate to your nearest local Animal Welfare organization.
Amanda Hall-Phillips
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
To this point, I successfully got the anti-chaining ordinance passed several years ago in Lowndes County. I served on the dangerous dog board for 15 years. I have established the feral cat sterilization program for the Humane Society. Also found a free spay-neuter program for the pets of impoverished citizens of Lowndes County. If awarded this award, the funds would go to that fund. I’ve worked with the County manager to reclaim fees for non-spayed/neutered animals.
Organized the Paws for a celebration three years ago. Held a festival at Drexel park to c. elaborate on our community’s animals and animal organizations. Including therapy dogs and law enforcement dogs. The event included the blessing of the animals. I am currently working with Best Friends Animal Foundation to establish a mobile spay/neuter clinic that will serve South Georgia—now volunteering ten hrs. a week at the LCAS supervising dog playgroups—working with shelter staff on managing behaviors of shelter dogs. Teaching dogs basic obedience and manners to make them more adoptable. I am implementing enrichment feeding to minimize stress.
Currently organizing a weekly adoption event at Seasons /Miller Hardware for the shelter dogs that do not qualify to go to PetSmart because they have not been spayed or neutered. Scheduled to work with the Thomasville Humane Society to help establish a training program to help make their dogs more adaptable as I have done for the LCAS.
I can’t imagine living my life not working to make lives better for animals. That is why I am a veterinarian. I practice behavior medicine because behavior problems are the number one cause of death in healthy dogs and cats.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Amanda has been active in animal welfare legislation for many years. She volunteers and trains animals at the Lowndes County Animal Shelter. She donates her own money to support the spaying and neutering of animals. She is a friend and advisor to animal organizations throughout South Georgia.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate directly to Lowndes County Animal Shelter, 337 Gil Harbin Industrial Blvd, Valdosta, GA 31601. Or call them at: (229) 671-2760. Or email them at: lpatelski@lowndescounty.com
Amie Burnam
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
I have been helping animals privately on my own for many years with no affiliation. However, when I was helping people re-cover their lost pets, I discovered the great need that Valdosta and surrounding areas had with homelessness & the feral cat popu-lation. I decided to network so I could help as many animals as possible. The Valdosta TNR is an excellent program & a fantastic team to work with. I wish we had more volunteers to go out in the “field” with us to reach more areas/cats. The first thing that drove me to help with the TNR program and feral cats was witness-ing some areas in town where cats were suffering beyond belief. People were passing right by them and did nothing.
I sat in my car and just cried at sight before me. I soon dried my tears & decided right then and there that I would get out of my car and make a difference. I began that day acting for those cats that so desperately needed me, and I have never looked back. Those same areas that brought tears to my eyes three years ago are thriving with healthy, neutered cats that I take care of daily. I have gone into low-income areas/hotels where cars were purposely running over cats. I worked to move the cats over & provide shelter away from the danger & away from hateful people. Every single cat matters to me. They did not choose the life they were dealt & they ALL deserve to feel love & hope. There is no better feeling than the “VERY MOMENT” a feral cat reaches out to me with love & trust in its eyes.
Nothing can match the feeling of that first stroke of love as they allow me to pet them for the first time. Many of them let out a sigh of relief & pure ecstasy because they have been craving it for so long. It is a fantastic experience that I cherish & hold dear to my heart. I am fortunate to have a couple of very dedicated friends that share my desire to go into areas around town and make a difference. We share the load, and we have put a dent in the homelessness & feral cat problem. This would not be possible without the TNR and the beautiful people that head that program. There is much more to be done, but we are working dili-gently, one cat and one colony at a time.
We volunteer and use our own money & resources as we have no way of getting donations. We just saw a need & are working togeth-er to try & fill it. Much of the work is behind the scenes be-cause we like it. We certainly have run into our share of prob-lems & ugly people that could care less about animals. BUT we never give up & we ALWAYS persevere for the cats we serve. And for the cats, we have yet to meet.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Amie Burnam feeds over 130 plus cats in Lowndes County and built over 50 Cat Tote Houses to protect them from the weather. She has several cats she has taken home hoping to find a place for them and often keeps them herself. If there is a stray kitten, she will run to rescue it. Always brings in cats to be fixed when they have the Humane Society TNR Clinic. Rain or shine is out, making sure her cats get something to eat.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate via Facebook or direct-ly to Humane Society Valdosta/Lowndes County, 1740 W Gordon St. Valdosta, GA 31601. Call them at 229-247-3266. Or email them at: info@@humanesocietyofvaldosta.org. They’re always in need of Mone-tary donations for spaying/neutering, Humane traps, cat food for feral colonies.
Ashley Long
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
Hearts to Homes Humane Society has been helping dogs and cats to find forever homes, get spayed and neutered, and educate the public about animal welfare for many years now. We are brave volunteers for the animal rescue fight and have spent countless hours and personal dollars to aid this mission. I began rescue efforts in 2011 when I saw a group of kittens in a control shelter needing help. From that first group, it continued to grow and never stopped. I worked with Kitty Love Rescue as the license holder, foster, and adoption coordinator from 2011 until 2017. I transitioned to Berrien Humane Society in 2017 and became the director here when Gina Porter decided to retire. I continued to run the rescue at Berrien Humane until I realized significant confusion in the community between us and our local animal control, which carried almost the same name. I decided to change our organization name in 2019, and we have been Hearts to Homes ever since.
I am driven to do animal rescue work because I enjoy saving lives and making a difference. Without our work, 100s of healthy cats would be euthanized every year in Berrien County. At Hearts to Homes, we give them a safe place, food, water, shelter, medicine, enrichment, and love if it takes until they find a forever home. I enjoy interacting with all the animals we save here. The most rewarding ones are the sick and injured that no one else would think could be saved, yet they blossom into the sweetest animal you have ever met. I also enjoy neonatal orphan kitten care.
THERE WAS MUCH WORK when I walked in the door at the humane society. It was dirty, rotten, had termites, holes in the floor, leaking roof, siding missing, kennels falling apart, and rotten porches. I had to gut the place, redo the walls, floors, ceiling, replace siding, rebuild porches, renovate enclosures, and I have added a covered patio and 20,000 sq-ft cat yard for the cats to run, play and explore. Our cats live in an open, accessible environment. Not being caged, they are healthier and happy. Our cats are not stressed, and adopters always love being greeted by all our cats when they approach. During my time, I have gotten us accepted for the Rescue Bank, Animal Shelters United for discounts on medications, and the Hills Shelter Program. I have purchased three storage units to store all our animal supplies like food, water, litter, cages, bedding, blankets. We have grown a lot over the years, and we do not plan to stop growing. Our goals increase every year. We strive to place our animals in homes. Every year we adopt between 500 and 600 pets, with 300 and 400 of those being felines. I feel kittens are drastically under-served in our area. Cats are my passion.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
She has the biggest heart for animals, especially cats, which is very important because few people or organizations help cats. She works full time as a teacher, and on her off time, she spends her time volunteering to care for the animals in her rescue. Her group is under-appreciated, and the lack of support causes her to use her money to fund her rescue. I don’t
Beth Fields
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
I started out doing rescue on my own. I pulled And vetted dogs and adopted them out. Then I worked with Act and Valdosta Humane society. We USA RESCUE was. Formed I started with them taking an admin Role. Seeing a pet get another start drives me. There is a joy I can’t describe that I feel when I get to help make a pet whole again, helping them learn to love and trust again. Since I started in rescue, over 1100 dogs have called my home theirs for a few days, others a lifetime.
My longest foster I had for two years before I could get her socialized and adoption ready, I have improved the lives of many dogs who would have been killed at shelters. I also have personally paid for other pets to be fixed and vetted if they could not afford to have it done. I also give food to pet owners who can’t afford it. I try to help and support various rescues by transporting or fostering when I can/
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Beth Fields: She helps run Friends of Lowndes County Animal Shelter and Friends of Adel Animal Rescue. She has gotten more than 1,000 dogs out of the Lowndes County Animal Shelter. She goes weekly to the shelter and removes many of the injured animals and dogs that bite. Her specialty is little dogs with bad attitudes. She is one of three administrators for USA Rescue.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate via PayPal, Amazon Smiles, Facebook, or through our website if you’d like to contribute. You can send donations directly to them at USA RESCUE 3338 l-1 Country Club Road, Valdosta, Ga. You can call them at 229- 563-5230 or email them at:adoptions@usarescueteam.org.
Breanne McMillian
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
A mama dog with eight pups needed an indoor foster home. We had a spare room and set it up for mama and babies. Once her babies were adopted, we brought in another group, and three years later, we’re still helping by fostering pups and helping them find their forever homes. It’s sad to see them go, but it’s also a fantastic feeling when they get their forever homes. Once the pandemic hit, I took on more at the shelter, reviewing applications, transporting to vets, doing photos, running adoption events, updating the images on the website, cleaning the shelter. It’s not easy to volunteer work, but it’s worth all the time.
My love for animals keeps me going. The scared ones are my favorite ones to bring home and work with. It’s a fantastic feeling when they decide to trust you fully and are comfortable with you. As long as my director is running Hearts to Homes, I will be there helping her. We don’t have many dedicated volunteers to help us. We have helped keep the city and county control shelter’s euthanasia rate low as we mostly pull from them and surrounding counties. We draw about 600 animals a year, and we are a no-kill rescue, so they are safe and well cared for until their forever families find them.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
She works tirelessly to help dogs and cats find adoptive homes in South GA. She works long hours unpaid each day making transports, cleaning, feeding, medicating, networking, and responding to people needing help with animals. Her work is selfless and unwavering.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate via Facebook, Paypal, Chewy Wishlist, Venmo, or directly to: Hearts to Homes Humane Society, 1111 Exum St, Nashville, GA 31639. Or call them at: (229) 329-3022. You can email the Executive Director at: ashleylong@hthhs.org
Branda Farrow
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
Along with my husband, I have a fondness for cats – especially the unwanted and feral. We do a lot of TNR, multi-cat spay/neuter discounts, help with shelters – to decrease the alarming numbers of animals euthanized in shelters and reduce those who are homeless. We feel that cats are especially underserved in animal shelters, so we must decrease their population. Working with HTH helps find appropriate homes for these sweet animals. We all make a difference in cats’ lives and livelihoods.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
I followed them on Facebook, probably because of a cute cat post. In May 2020, I saw a post about an abandoned cat left in a trailer after her family moved off. She was very emaciated but also very pregnant. She needed a foster. I brought the idea to my husband; he’s a veterinarian, and we own an animal hospital – we could help her and her unborn kittens. He was on board. We were approved for foster, and that began the madness. I admire the work of Ashley and Breanne. They work tirelessly to keep that organization running and ultimately save lives. They pull from a local kill shelter. If shelters run out of space, we take them in. Since my first girl, Peppie, I have fostered countless animals and assisted with multiple adoptions. They rely solely on community funds and pocketbooks; no city or county funding helps them. Ultimately, I believe in their mission.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate through PayPal, Amazon Wishlist, or Facebook if you’d like to contribute. You can donate directly at 1111 Exum St., Nashville, GA. You can email them at: ashleylong@htths.org or call them at 229-329-3022 or PayPal.!
Candas A. Bennett
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
Simply Grace Kennels, a local animal welfare organization in Tifton, is dedicated to changing legislation, stopping unnecessary euthanasia, rescuing homeless dogs and cats, and encouraging spaying and neutering of pets. Like most, their rescue runs solely on donations from generous individuals and organizations. They consistently have dogs on their property that require food, toys, medical treatment. CB Animal Welfare operates with only a small staff of four, and their mission and goals are to one day not have to rescue because every animal has a good home. But until that day comes, this organization will continue to fight for those animals.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Once you meet her, you will understand. She always smiles and is ready to roll up her sleeves to save an animal. I’m not sure you could get a true and accurate number on how many dogs/cats she keeps. Or the number of people that she has touched through community service. She is tireless in her efforts to help not just her community but multiple communities through her outreach network of rescues. Candas has single-handedly started a low-cost spay/neuter clinic that four counties are a part of. And she is looking to expand on this to other communities. Candas is heavily involved in Animal welfare education. She helps to bring classes to local law enforcement agencies.
She is teaching those in law enforcement how to use the animal laws on the books and better protect women and animals in cruelty cases. Her passion is working with legislation, updating new rules, and creating new regulations at the Capitol level to ensure a better and healthier Georgia. She is a true blessing to all of us that know her. She does everything for the dogs and nothing for herself. She is an authentic Animal Welfare Hero.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate via PayPal at pawsfureverhome@gmail.com or their Paws Furever Home Inc. Amazon Wish List if you’d like to contribute. You can send donations directly to them at CB Animal Welfare, 1147 US Hwy 319 N. Tifton, GA 91794. You can also call: 229.322.3564 or email them at:cb.animalwelfare@yahoo.com
Charles DeVane
Article
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Charles DeVane has devoted his life to animal welfare. He was board president of the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes, founded BARC humane society, and founded the Georgia Pet Coalition. He maintained the Quitman Animal Shelter. He works hard to promote animal welfare legislation at the state level and boots on the ground saving dogs in Brooks County and the surrounding area. His legacy in animal welfare goes far beyond what I could type here; one could write a book based on all his accomplishments. Because of his lifelong dedication to saving animals, I can think of no one better suited for “Animal Welfare Hero” than Charles Devane.
If you’d like to contribute, please donate to your nearest local Animal Welfare organization.
Christina Shealey
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What their nominator(s)said about them:
Christina is a rural mail carrier and rescues countless abandoned dogs on her route. She usually takes these animals home and cares for them until she can connect them with local rescue groups. She shares the stories on social media and solicits donations for the countless rescues she has partnered with to save injured and abandoned dogs. She shatters the stereotype of “dog versus mail person.” She has even formed loving relationships with several animals on her route. I cannot think of someone more deserving of this award. I have pictured the most recent dog she has saved, whom she plans to foster after complete vet treatment.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate via PayPal or on the USA Rescue Team’s website if you’d like to contribute. You can send donations directly to them at USA Rescue Team, 4119 Lantern Lane, Valdosta, GA 31602. You can email them at:adoptions@usarescueteam.org. Every Saturday, we typically have adoption events at the Valdosta Petsmart from 11 am to 4 pm. Or you can contact us through Facebook, Instagram, or email.
Cindy Moses
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What their nominator(s)said about them:
Cindy works with USA Rescue, and she is the owner/operator of Nana’s Animal Sanctuary. She has 40 or more animals in her care at any given time. She cares for the animals by herself. She pays for their care, food, etcetera.
If you’d like to contribute, please donate to your nearest local Animal Welfare organization.
Danielle Cross
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
I used to foster for another rescue but wanted to do more. I had the land and the time, so I started raising money to start Cross Critters Rescue and build our shelter facility. Going to the control shelters and working closely with the animal control officers keeps me in the loop. Knowing that the overpopulation of unwanted pets in this area has slowed despite rescue efforts keeps us all motivated to continue our work in Rescue. Rescue is not a one-person show. It takes us all to do what we do, working together to save the dogs.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
She has helped thousands of cats and dogs escape euthanasia. She has a drive like no other. She helps animals and their owners in many ways. She is part of why the Nashville GA shelters have had such low euthanasia rates, and I, for one, appreciate her efforts!
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate via Facebook or PayPal www.PayPal.me/crosscrittersrescue, or directly on the site if you’d like to contribute. You can send donations directly to them at Cross Critters Rescue, Inc. 6600 Radio Station Rd. Nashville, GA 31639. You can call them at: (229) 646-2798, or email them at: daniellej929@yahoo.com. The board and groom dogs raise money for the Rescue; we also have a thrift store to sell donated items to raise funds for the Rescue, but Facebook fundraisers help. They always need monetary donations to pay vet bills and other shelter expenses, and we always need canned dog food.
FINAL QUESTION:
Hi, it’s tough to say why I feel I deserve this award, as so many other rescuers deserve it just as much as me, but I can promise that if I win it, I will feel honored and humbled, but also proud that what I’ve been doing all these years has been noticed.
Over the years, I have pulled thousands of cats, dogs, and livestock into my Rescue from control shelters, where they may have been euthanized otherwise or out of other bad situations, such as hoarding or neglect cases. Starting in my back yard with only the help of my husband and children and a single 10×10 kennel, we began our mission, and now, years later, we’ve built it into an entire shelter facility.
To fund this, we also built a boarding facility, a grooming salon, and a thrift store where 100% of all profits are funneled straight into the rescue efforts. I’ve been called to countless hoarding situations and other neglect cases for dogs, cats, and livestock, removed many animals, and took them to safety. We’ve also built an excellent foster base with dozens of families who foster the dogs and livestock to allow us to take in more even once our facility is complete. I’ve aided animal control in several areas by handling aggressive dogs.
We also have an excellent Trap-Neuter-Return program where we trap, fix and release feral cats into our property. We run community spay/neuter programs to aid low-income families in getting their pets fixed to slow the overpopulation problem we face here. We also host rabies clinics at our grooming salon Several times a year where we have a board-certified licensed veterinarian on staff for the day and offer free parvo/distemper vaccines as well as low-cost rabies vaccines, and several other services at low costs such as Bordetella vaccines, de-worming, heart-worm testing, and micro-chipping. In short, we do all we can to help our community provide needed care for their pets that they may not otherwise be able to afford while simultaneously saving as many pets from euthanasia as possible. All pets adopted from us are fully vetted and fixed, which also helps to slow the spread of contagious diseases such as parvo, coccidia, and others, as well as aiding in the slow of overpopulation.
We often take animals with expensive medical needs such as limb amputations and eye removals; we also have many heart-worm-positive dogs almost daily, requiring costly treatment. We do not turn these animals away due to a lack of funding, even if funds are not immediately available for their care. Instead, we do fundraisers to provide them with the care they need as soon as possible. We take in senior animals as well, and sometimes we can find them homes, but if not, we have a great group of fosters who are willing to take on hospice cases where they can live out the remainder of their lives in comfort with proper care. The list of all that Rescue entails goes on and on, but I hope the above has given you a little glimpse into what we do.
Danielle Cross
(229) 646-2798
6600 Radio Station Rd, Nashville GA 31639
daniellej929@yahoo.com
Dori Henning
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What their nominator(s)said about them:
Dori may have just come onto the rescue scene in the last few years, but she has spent every day making up for what she missed. She has fostered countless animals and, on her own, came up with our very own Puppy Nanny/Midwoof program. She saw the need for someone who could take puppies that were without mama or mamas who were in horrible shape and too far to spay, and people that we were desperate to keep their mama dog but could not handle her having puppies. Most of the mamas would be dropped at animal control, and most would be too far along to spay. Thru her program, she agrees to keep the puppies and mama, vet everyone, and send mama home after spaying and adopting the puppies. This allows the family to keep their beloved dog without the stress of raising a litter, and it ensures EVERY oops animal is altered and in a beautiful home.
Dori gives her time and efforts daily to the community through the Puppy Nanny program and by being the primary volunteer for our general low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Dori also works with the public to ensure ALL feral/stray cats are put through the Trap-Neuter-Return program to stop overpopulation and sickness in cat colonies. Dori is selfless in her work and deserves this recognition more than anyone I know! She has saved over 200 puppies alone, along with several mama dogs.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate directly to Peach State Animal Rescue Foundation, Inc 1039 Cowboy Rd. Jessup, GA 31545
Emily Smith
Article
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Emily has been a dedicated volunteer and leader with the Humane Society. She is involved with the transportation of animals and other activities.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate to the Atlanta Humane Society, 981 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Or call them at: (404)875-5331.
Heather Gavitt
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
Our area has no Animal control. I saw a huge need for help in South Georgia, so I decided to open my non-profit rescue. We regularly take in all complex cases, broken bones, elderly, and medical cases. Mange dogs happen to be my favorite ones to fix and are here regularly. There is a massive need to help stray and abandoned dogs in our area. I also help families with necessary medical emergencies because this is an impoverished area. I fix all mamma dogs if I take the puppies and the owner wants to keep mom.
It’s a daily struggle here, and I feel that even though we can’t change or help them all, we can help as many as possible. Since 2019 we have adopted out, fixed, and saved over 500 dogs and 20 Equine. We offer advice and help with spaying and neutering our intake dogs and community dogs. We strive to educate and help the community of Brantley county. We will continue to do it one dog/puppy at a time.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
This young mom and her daughter are saving “whole litters of dirt road puppies and moms” along with many other animals in need from further county animal control that most organizations pass by. She is fully state licensed and state non-profit. She uses every donated penny to support, medically care for, and upgrade life for as many animals as possible in a GA county with NO animal control unit.
In her spare time, she educates folks about spaying/neutering and has even stepped up on her own to help folks in need SN their animals when she has excess funds. She lives and breathes with her rescues 24/7 with very few (but gratefully accepted) volunteers. Every person who has donated to her can attest to the miracles she works. Please consider her for your grants and good works? Thank you!
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate via PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, and Zelle if you want to contribute. Or you can donate directly at South Georgia Equine Rescue Inc, 812 Mineral Springs Rd, Waynesville, GA 31566. Call them at 912-548-3301. Email them at: Sgequinerescue@gmail.com. What they need: Food is always a priority, probiotics, and toys to keep the puppies busy.
FINAL QUESTION:
In 2019, I ventured off on a journey I had dreamed about since I was a child. I have always known I wanted to help and rehabilitate the forgotten and broken ones. I also never knew that this would be the most challenging job I would ever take on. It is heartbreaking and rewarding sometimes, all in the exact moment. Since I started this, I have single-handedly taken in and rehabbed over 600 dogs and horses. I have found homes for over 500 of them. I take in the worst of the worst. I don’t mind a good challenge if it means I can save one. Sometimes I am successful, and sometimes I get heartbroken. But at the same time, I can either fix them or show them love and kindness in their remaining time here on earth.
One of my most significant accomplishments is one of our resident dogs, Nipper. He was found by a home very injured. At the time, we had no idea what had happened. I just knew he needed help. He was 2 hours away, and one of my friends who worked at an AC near there transported him straight to my vet. When he got there, it was indescribable. He had been attacked by dogs, torn to pieces, and then hit by a car. He was unable to stand and was unresponsive. I said I wanted to give him time and a chance if he had one. So, with lots of pain meds, he made it two more days but still would not eat. I had not even met him yet, and my vet said she thought it was time to call it. He was bad. It was late afternoon, I asked if we could leave him till 10 AM, and I would come to sit with him for it. I owed him that. Well, wouldn’t you know Nipper ate that morning, and my vet called and said, okay…you were right. He needed some more time.
Long story short, he had to have his rear leg amputated and then had to have $6,000 worth of front elbow surgeries to be able to walk again. It took months of rehab and just giving Nipper time to figure it all out. Now he runs and plays and rules the yard. He was worth every tear, every penny, and mile I drove to specialists to see him happy! He will never be expected, but who is? Normal is no fun. So, I am here, doing this with a wing and many prayers and a massive support system. My rescue could use this for upcoming surgeries on our other dogs. I hope you consider South Ga Equine Rescue Inc and me.
Heather Gavitt
812 Mineral Springs Rd
Waynesville Ga 31566
912-548-3301
sgequinerescue@gmail.com
Jackie Shoemaker
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What their nominator(s)said about them:
Jackie Shoemaker has a significant history in raising funds for animal welfare, and she has a charity named Almost Home Charities, Inc., www.almosthomecharities.org. Please look at Jackie’s website and incorporate what you see there into your opinions of her nomination if you are unaware of who she is and what she has contributed to animal welfare in South Georgia.
She has been the primary driver for the BARC Ball and other fundraising events, held at least annually since 2015, raising funds for BARC Humane Society in Lowndes and Brooks counties. What is posted for her does not do her justice.
In 2015, she helped BARC Humane Society come out of a financial crisis. Linda and Charles Devane nominated her for Valdosta Junior Women’s Club Woman of the Year. She never wanted any spotlight. She said, “I just want to do what I do, drama-free.” You will learn even more about Jackie by looking at Charles Devane’s Facebook page at Charles Devane | Facebook.
Jackie wrote, “I believe that anything that highlights animal rescue, or anyone in animal rescue, is positive for the cause. Most people in rescue don’t have a lot of disposable income, yet they choose to pile on more because they love animals. They never get any financial reward, so the $2500 would be incredible. In addition, this event brings advertising for the cause and the crusaders.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Jackie has raised money for animals for many years. She has her charity, Almost Home Charity which benefits animal welfare.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate via Facebook for Brantley Animal Rescue Coalition, or email them at: sosfordogs@gmail.com.
Here are a few thoughts regarding the recognition of someone in animal rescue.
Yes, some people stand out, but we need a whole group, working together, to help animals.
We need people writing grants to have programs like spay/neuter.
We need people raising funds to pay the vet bills.
We need people physically pulling/saving dogs from the shelter.
We need people fostering animals.
We need people at adoption events.
We need vetting/medical coordination.
We need support from vets.
We need people conducting home visits to qualify for a new home.
We need people recruiting more volunteers.
We need people promoting the animals for adoption.
We need people advertising adoption events and fundraising events.
We need people managing all the activities.
We need people managing the cash flow.
We need people pushing local, state, and federal govt.
We need people to donate items, time, and money.
We need people to transport animals.
We need people to help find lost animals.
Etc.
Jan McMullen
Article
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Jan has been involved in rescue for over 20 years, helped COUNTLESS animals find homes, and saved many more from inhumane treatment. She has never once asked for or expected any recognition. She deserves this award!
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate directly to the Humane Society of Valdosta Lowndes County, 1740 W Gordon St. Valdosta, GA 31602. Email them at: info@humanesocietyofvaldosta.org. Or call them at 229-247-3266
Jessica Lynn Pisciotta
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
I have always been passionate about animals and have had pets. My mom and I would always help stray cats and dogs while growing up. When I was 15, I found a juvenile possum on the side of the road in need of help and immediately got out of the car and picked it up; that’s where it all began. I linked up with a few wildlife rehabbers who are unfortunately no longer rehabbing because they are now in their late 70s, but they did get me in touch with a woman of my own heart in Thomasville, Ga, Lorain Conklin. She was a licensed Rehabber for every animal native to our state; north Ga would even contact her for bear cubs. She would talk with me constantly, training me to care for wildlife. I would read and research everything I could find in care for our native wildlife. I was permitted under her and one of the youngest wildlife rehabbers. Eventually, I branched out and started on my license and nonprofit.
My drive is my passion and genuine love for the care of any living creature with no voice, which is
in need. When I wake up knowing that I will do whatever possible to make a difference in an innocent life that day, it gives me a reason. I will work all my jobs in one day and be so exhausted that I know I can’t get up, and then an emergency call comes in. I jump up, throw on my shoes, grab my “Barney Bag” (all the necessary items for any critical patient) and run out of the door to get to them. I have been told I am overly passionate and often care too much. To me, every life matters, no matter how small. I will continue to do the work I am called to do in my soul and heart. Animals are my passion, and their well-being is my drive.
I go to schools to teach the children why it is so important to show kindness and have empathy compassion for animals. I believe that is extremely important in today’s time. Many children see so much violence and hate. When I am in school, and I start to talk about animals, you can see a light shine in them, but once you introduce them to a possum, puppy, flying squirrel, kitten, and living being who has endured trauma or been mistreated, you see the empathy they have for them. I’ve often had children in classes that came in thinking it was cool to kill a lizard or other small animal or had no feelings good or bad about an orphaned/abused animal, but it all changes within moments of meeting them. I have improved how many people think and feel about all animals. I also help with spaying/neutering any homeless animal into my care. I get vaccinated and spayed/neutered.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
She has been rescuing animals and birds for years. She has incredible compassion for all of God’s creatures. She spends her time helping animals and birds in need both day and night. She is an excellent example of being an animal welfare hero. She is a positive light in the rescue world. She has a fabulous personality and is truly pleasant and a joy to talk with. She puts the animals under her care above all else. A five-star rescuer! She has not only helped the above-listed organizations, but she is always willing to take the time with schools and local events to educate them on the animals she rehabilitates and rescues. She has an open-door policy that allows my children to bring animals that we find wounded and displaced and take them in. She also has included my children and many others to be a part of the release back into the wild of animals that she has rehabilitated. She devotes all her time, emotion, and energy to the survival of the animals she cares for. There is no one more deserving of this recognition than her. She works four different jobs. Besides her love for animals, she’s been gifted with the passion for animals and children to see for their well-being. She hosted fairs for children and adults to see and react with various animals.
She is very knowledgeable about aging and their birth cycle, knowing their foods when they give birth—rescuing babies from their dying parents from a road injury. It’s nothing for her to stop a vehicle from checking on any animal. It’s a blessing to watch anyone with her ability and heart. The money she makes mostly goes to the animals in her care and places foods around our city where abandoned or animals are just dropped out. She is one of a kind; she has the biggest heart and love for animals I have ever seen. There is no animal worth her time, money, and affection. She has a beautiful wildlife rehabilitation that she works very hard at every day. She is very deserving of “animal welfare hero, 2022”. If it weren’t for her, many animals would never have a chance. I have known her for over 15 years, and she has never turned an animal down from baby birds, deer, opossums, tortoises, squirrels, bats, and many more. She does everything possible to help domestic animals with funding emergency surgeries or helping any homeless dog or cat, but she also runs a high-traffic wildlife rescue in Tifton. She works four part-time jobs to help support her nonprofit and raises/releases anywhere from 400-600 animals every baby season doing all the feedings, cleanings, and fundraising on her own.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate via Facebook, PayPal @steadfastwildliferescue@gmail.com, CashApp $steadfastwildlife, Amazon Wishlist, or Venmo @steadfastwildliferescue. Their website is www.steadfastwildlife.Weebly.com. You can send donations directly to them at Steadfast Wildlife Rescue Rehab, Inc., 2201 Hall Ave, Tifton, GA 31794. You can call them at:229-646-6765, Or you can email them at: Steadfastwildliferescue@gmail.com Most needed items are lactated ringer’s iv bags and iv lines, 18g/20g needles, 1cc/3cc/10cc syringes, miracle nipples, antibiotics, Capstar, deer feed, powdered goats milk, hard cat food, hard dog food, powdered puppy formula, heating pads, hardware cloth metal for outdoor enclosure rebuilds for prerelease, a few pieces of tin for roofing.
Jessica Lynn Pisciotta
FINAL QUESTION:
I solely run Steadfast Wildlife Rescue Rehab, Inc. in Tifton, Ga. Each year I receive anywhere from 350-600 orphaned/injured wildlife that I rehab and nurse back to health until they are prepared and ready to be released back into the wild. I also help trap and spay/neuter strays in Tifton; many times, I receive medical emergency calls during the night with domestics that have been hit by a vehicle or injured by a human. I care for the animal until the treatment from the veterinarian is complete, and they are healed. Then I will get them into rescue or find them the perfect home. Every domestic return that I work with is vetted and spay/neutered.
The most recent “foster fail” is Lippy, he is a 35lb lab/hound mix that was dumped out, and after being abandoned, he was struck in the face with a machete. I responded to his call around 10ish one-night last November. He was bleeding profusely, needing immediate care. I managed to slow the bleeding and thankfully had someone from the vet come by to bring pain medicine for him until they could complete his surgery the following day. I recently found Lippy the perfect home, he had other intentions and had already found himself safe, loved, and here with me, so I went back a few hours later to bring him back to what he now calls him forever home. I have many stories of dogs and cats who have had similarly traumatic experiences but have all found their perfect family after recovery.
I am a state-licensed wildlife rehabber and am also working to secure my federal permit. Unfortunately, rehabbers do not receive any state funding or pay, so I formed our own tiny 501c3 nonprofit, and we have gotten crafty with fundraising ideas. I say we, me, and the animals. We do bake sales, giveaways, raffles, and educational programs for schools and other functions to raise awareness of spay/neuter, the need for having a family veterinarian, and to teach the new generation how important it is to have empathy compassion for all living creatures.
90% of the intakes at Steadfast Wildlife can be released back into the wild. Some take a few weeks, others a few months, but I never give up on anyone in my care. For the 10% or less that are not releasable, I work to get them into the best educational programs, Okefenokee Swamp, The Animal Museum in Macon, Grand Bay, Auburn University, and individual licensed educational exhibition rehabbers. I have a few NR here with me too. One of the most recent success stories is Mr. Blinky, the barred owl. Blinky was hit by a vehicle about 45 minutes from my rescue. I received the emergency call from Ga Wildlife, and they informed me of the area he was in and that he had been grounded for three days. A lady who saw him get hit pulled him from the road. Three days later, she went back by, and he was in the same spot. I searched for him and was very determined after about 20 minutes I found him.
He was tangled in briars and had almost given up completely; he just collapsed when I picked him up. Blinky was severely dehydrated with severe head trauma; it took four bags of iv fluids to rehydrate him the first few days in care. I had to force-feed him by pushing food into his throat the first eight days to get any sustenance in his weak body. On day 15, he finally had the energy to stand and hold his head up. I would take him to a nearby field several times a week to practice flying and help him rebuild wing strength. On day 45, Blinky finally made it to release! I documented a lot of his story with me and have the most fantastic video from day 1 to 45, all compacted in under 3 minutes. I have brought awareness to wildlife rescue with his incredible story and video.
I don’t know if I deserve the Animal Welfare Hero 2022 Award any more than any other rescue worker that has dedicated their lives to the well-being of the voiceless. Still, I do know that I have made a massive difference in many lives, from fawns, owls, hawks, eagles, opossums, dogs, cats, ferrets, rats, cottontails, squirrels, flying squirrels, pigs, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and geese. I am, and will always be, a voice for the voiceless, and life is a life, no matter how small.
Jessica Lynn Pisciotta
2201 Hall Avenue Tifton Ga 31794
steadfastwildliferescue@gmail.com
(229) 646-6765
Julie Greenhaw
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
I genuinely have a love for animals. My husband and I moved to Valdosta in 1995. Shortly after that, I joined the Valdosta/Lowndes County Humane Society board because it was a no-kill rescue. The Lowndes County Animal Shelter used a small gas chamber to euthanize animals, and the HS board had plans to help build a new animal shelter to provide housing for animals turned into the shelter. The method of euthanasia also changed to injection instead of gas. What drives you to continue the work you do? As time has progressed, I am currently running the Trap Neuter and Release program for the HS. This program assists citizens that have feral or community cats that they feed, trap, vaccinate and alter before releasing them back outside. This helps control the population of unwanted animals in our community. Usually, twice a month, we hold the spay-neuter clinic at the Humane Society, where we spay/neuter 60 cats in one session.
Our goal is to expand this clinic to include dogs and cats three days per week. As a Best Friends Animal Society member, my goal is to make Lowndes County no by 2025. In September of 2013, I began trapping feral and colony cats in our community to prevent them from being euthanized at our shelter. I would load up 25-50 cats and take them to Columbus, Georgia, to be altered. The Humane Society there had a grant which enabled me to get this done at no charge.
The main goal of this program was to decrease the number of animals put down at the shelter and increase the out actual rate. The following location was Jacksonville, then Thomasville. In August 2018, we began a spay-neuter clinic with volunteers and a vet in Valdosta. Since the beginning of the TNR program, we have altered over 6400 cats in Lowndes and surrounding counties. In 2013, the out actual rate at our shelter was a pathetic 45%. At the end of 2021, the rate had improved to 66%. Again, the goal is no-kill by 2025, an actual rate of 90%.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
She has been leading the Trap/Neuter/Return program with the Humane Society of Valdosta for YEARS! This program has neutered 6000+ cats, including 1,100 in 2021. These cats are taken in 60 at a time on Sundays every two weeks. While she does not feel proud enough to brag about her efforts, she is the organizer of it all since she does not do the surgical work. She communicates with families in need and businesses that have cat colonies. She heads a team that works to end cat overpopulation in our area and has been doing so with feral cats for many years now. She is the most deserving of this award.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate via Facebook, PayPal, Instagram, and Amazon if you’d like to contribute. Or directly to Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County, 1740 W Gordon St, Valdosta, GA 31601. Or you can call them at:(229) 247-3266. You can email them at: emilysmith@humanesocietyofvaldosta.org. They need most: Surgical Instruments, vaccines, and funds to complete remodeling for a spay-neuter clinic.
FINAL QUESTION:
In September of 2013, when the Trap Neuter and Release program began, I started saving the lives of feral and community cats in Lowndes County that generally would have been euthanized at our county shelter. The Lowndes County Shelter would call me to let me know a feral was turned in. I would arrange to pick the animal up, have it spayed/neutered, and release it back to the location it came from. If the citizen who turned it in did not want it returned, I would network and release it to another colony or send it to a no-kill rescue.
In 2018 when we started the clinic in Lowndes County, we altered 35 cats a week for an entire
year. By August of 2019,1820 animal lives were protected. This also allowed the shelter to adopt more friendly cats that were turned in and increase the out actual rate. I have helped save the lives of over 6400 cats in Lowndes and Brooks, Cook, Lanier, Berrien, Clinch, and Coffee Counties.
Adopting animals is a significant first step to saving lives, but the key is spaying/neutering. The Humane Society and I have plans to expand the Sunday clinic to 3 days a week and include dogs. This will help save more animals’ lives and help our shelter reach no-kill in 2025. My passion for saving animal lives qualifies me for the Animal Welfare Heroes Award.
Kathy Yert
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
Our organization began as a sanctuary for senior cats. We saw a need for a retirement home for senior cats that an owner wanted to place with us or we would rescue from an animal control facility. We have expanded our mission to rescue mama cats and babies from local shelters, mama dogs and pups, feral and semi-feral cats, and assist the community with Trap, neuter, release work, and spay/neuter services. We have helped low-income Cook County residents with spay/neuter services for their pets by a grant from Fix Georgia Pets.
It has also been used to trap feral and semi-feral cats in the cities and provide surgery for these cats and a new release haven for them. Our rescue assisted several local animal control facilities by taking in cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies that might not have a chance for adoption. With animal control facilities overburdened with intakes of puppies and kittens, we provide a haven for some of these animals. And we have conducted adoptions of some of these animals.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
She has rescued shelter cats from all over South GA. She also concentrates on spaying and neutering for individuals that cannot afford it. Without her help, thousands of cats would have been euthanized and would not have had the chance to live out their lives. She works with control shelters and individual citizens in the community of all surrounding towns. She is driven to spay/neuter feral cats with her Trap, neuter, and release program. She also rescues senior cats and provides hospice care at her sanctuary so they can live out their days safe and loved. She also works to adopt and transport cats and kittens north to prevent the euthanasia of healthy animals in South GA.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate through PayPal, Amazon Wishlist and Smile, or Facebook if you’d like to contribute. You can donate directly at Paws Furever Home Inc. 5009 Antioch Rd. Adel, GA 31620. You can email them at: pawsfureverhome@gmail.com or call them at: (229) 896-7492.
Leah Robbins
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
My niece was my inspiration to get involved with the local animal shelter. When she was eight years old, she raised funds to cover adoption fees for dogs in the shelter. No one truly knows where her idea originated, but like me, she has always shared a love for animals. Shortly after, I stumbled across a new Facebook page, Friends of Tift County Animal Shelter, promoting our local shelter animals for adoption. I began following, commenting on posts, sharing on social media, and supporting as much as possible. I learned the page was created by one of my high school friends. She and I reconnected through Facebook, and after a few months of talking, I joined her efforts at the shelter.
That was seven years ago. She is now my best friend and rescue partner. Initially, we were only allowed to take photos and videos of dogs and cats on the “adoption side” of the shelter. Shelter management did not permit animal holding to be shared on social media or available to the public. Given that our shelter was 80% killed, we decided we would do whatever means necessary to gain access to animals holding. We just had no idea what we were up against and the challenge it would be. We met with county management to argue our case. We shared our goal to lessen the kill rate and seek rescue for animals in need.
We explained that by posting stray animals holding, owners would be able to reunite with missing pets. We told them the benefits of saving animals rather than euthanizing them. We offered to network and place animals with rescue organizations and raised funds to provide veterinary care for animals in need. We even suggested the brutal reality of the community finding out what goes on behind closed doors. For so long, everything at our shelter was very much a secret from the public, including the kill rate. After much consideration, county officials granted us full access to the shelter, providing us with a shelter key, and formally naming us volunteer “Rescue Coordinators” for Tift County Animal Shelter.
Our shelter is county-funded and does not allot funds for animals needing medical treatment. Sick or injured animals were euthanized. Our shelter is a government entity; therefore, donations are applied to the county’s general fund, never officially to the animal shelter, and not considered tax-deductible as many donors thought. If we wanted to fundraise for the shelter, county officials suggested forming a 501(C)3 so all monies could be accounted for and applied directly to the animals or shelter, allowing a tax deduction for donors. So, we established our non-profit, Tift Animal Rescue, Inc. Tift Animal Rescue supports the shelter in many ways. We cover expenses for sick or injured animals, transport fees, supplies, medications, dog and cat food, kennel beds, additional cat kennels, new dog crates, and necessities to provide proper care and housing for animals. We provide heartworm treatment and other costs for many heartworm-positive dogs to better their chance for rescue or adoption. We purchased a large, fenced area with a sunshade beside the shelter for dogs to run and play. We are assisting with shelter renovations to upgrade and better the facility.
Eventually, we hope to raise money and expand the shelter with county approval, allowing more space for housing animals. Tift Animal Rescue works to inform the public of spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted litter. We strive to educate our community about overpopulation and the significance of proper vet care for their pets. We would ultimately like to help locals with low-cost spay and neuter as our society does not have a program at this time.
What drives her to continue the work she does?
We started our mission in 2015. The previous year, intake for 2014 was 3,637 animals and 80% kill rate: 67% of dogs and 94% of cats were euthanized. With hard work, dedication, and determination, the shelter intake for 2021 was 3,547 animals with 1% euthanasia: >1% of dogs and 2% of cats.
Whereas we would like to be an utterly no-kill shelter, we are proud of our progress and hope for the future. I want to think we have improved our community tremendously. Not only benefiting the animals but taxpayers as well. With the help of Tift Animal Rescue, we have been able to assist the shelter financially without depending on taxpayer monies. We have worked to gain trust from the public and show that animals are well cared for while at the shelter. We are changing the long-overdue mentality that ‘shelters do not give animals a chance. And are desperately working to educate the public on spay and neutering. I believe it takes all of these things to improve our community. I see it somewhat like a pyramid: with many small goals at the bottom until we slowly combine all plans and make our way to the top.
We know the differences our community wants to see, and we want to be able to prove that we are making those changes, small steps at a time. We also want to help the public understand our tasks at the shelter and why we work with rescue organizations. Many people in the community have no idea who we are or our role. The more they know, the more support we will have in changing their perspective. While we have a long way to go, we have made a start.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Leah is one of the most dedicated people in animal rescue. She continues to save more animals and has turned Tift County Shelter into a no-kill! She has a great heart and will do anything to help an animal! Leah has demonstrated a remarkable ability to help any animal in need regardless of species, gender, fully functioning or disabled, if hurt or not. She has been a godsend to these animals, and she continues to do this out of the kindness of her heart and wanting to make a better place for these animals. Did you know Tift Animal Rescue Inc. (TARI) is run by volunteers? What started as posting pictures of shelter animals on Facebook in 2015 has developed into a full-scale rescue that has flipped a local high kill shelter on its head. Who is spending over 40 volunteer hours every week to network with rescues, tame feral animals, raise funds for vet care and walk animals through recovery? Candice Hernandez and her best friend, Leah Robbins.
“Be the Good,” TARI’s motto is not lost with Leah. Animals that would be euthanized for behavior or injury have a second chance at life when they find Leah. Thousands of animals are saved every year because of her non-stop efforts. I have volunteered alongside Leah for three years, and words could never fully describe her heart and efforts. Outside of her full-time job, Leah spends all her free time advocating for the animals in our community. This includes cleaning pens, administering medicine, working with vets, and arranging transports that move animals to adoption-heavy areas. She volunteers late into the night and for 12+ hours at a time on Saturdays and Sundays. The work is hard, dirty, and messy, but Leah’s joy and compassion never wear thin. Leah does not waiver in her stance for justice for animals. Leah gives everything she has to the animals of Tift County. She has never given up on an animal, and she never will. Leah rescued Stella, a dog when no one else would, and arranged Stella the dog’s transport to Manhattan, also paying all expenses.
Leah uses a lot of her own money to rescue dogs and pay for their transport. She was photographed with her new owner. Leah is one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. She uses most of the resources available to their rural shelter, so each animal receives the best care possible. Leah spends countless hours networking with rescue groups to get the animals in her care into a foster/adopted home. Leah cares, and it shows in how she interacts with the animals. It is an honor to know someone with so much heart.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate through PayPal, Amazon Wishlist and Smile, or Facebook if you’d like to contribute. You can donate directly at Tift Animal Rescue 2207 Belmont Avenue Tifton, GA
31794, You can email them at: tiftrescue@yahoo.com or call them at: (229) 382-7387. or PayPal.
FINAL QUESTION:
The most significant need in our local community is educating the public on animal welfare. Tift Animal Rescue participates in many community events such as the Tifton Rhythm & Ribs Festival, Community Care Day, Hands-on Tifton, Arts in Black Festival, Belk Charity Day, Petsense events, as well as hosting several throughout the year. We take advantage of the opportunity to be in the community and interact with local citizens. This gives us the chance to better educate the public on the overpopulation issue and the importance of spay and neutering. Spending time talking to people in person to share our desire to make a difference and explaining the need for spay and neuter helps to better their understanding of this need. Additionally, we stress the need for proper veterinarian care and accurately providing for animals as pets.
Unfortunately, our community does not have a low-cost spay/neuter program. Tift Animal Rescue recently applied for a spay/neuter grant to help those in need with spaying and neutering their animals. We contacted three local veterinarian clinics and asked if they would consider offering a discounted rate for our grant participants, and each agreed.
We are also working to change other aspects of animal welfare in our community. We are preparing to present a ‘No Tether’ ordinance to our Board of Commissioners. Tift County has a ‘Leash Law’ which permits owners to restrain animals on their property with a chain, leash, runner, or tie. We hope to require pet owners to provide a fenced area and adequate housing rather than restraint by a chain or likewise.
Another significant issue in our community is neglect. In the past, local citizens have not been held accountable for the neglect or abuse of animals, and it is necessary to change this practice. We met with county solicitors on the need to prosecute those neglecting animals and better understand their requirements. We are also working with our district attorney to prosecute severe abuse cases as a felony. Sadly, it is a challenge to pursue felony animal cruelty in Georgia. I have reached out to Georgia legislators to express my concerns and hopes for change to this law in the future.
I have emailed representatives, regularly signed change petitions, and used social media to promote and encourage animal welfare, communicate change needs, and advocate for animal rights. Education is essential. I was the recipient of the Tifton Judicial Circuit Bar Association 2019 Liberty Bell Award. When presented, I spoke at the bar association luncheon and was surprised by the many involved in our judicial system who were unaware of our problems. It takes reaching all areas in the community to gain support and show the difference we can make if we all work together for change.
I honestly cannot say I deserve the Animal Welfare Heroes Award more than another nominee. There is so much truth to “it takes a village’. From shelter staff, rescue coordinators, animal transporters, rescue organizations, fosters, volunteers, social media advocates, each person has a role in animal rescue. We depend on each other, and it takes all of us to save animals in need.
If asked personally, I would like to think I make a difference for homeless animals and those facing euthanasia in an overcrowded shelter. I dedicate as much as possible to the shelter animals and my rescue work. There are times animal rescue is exhausting, both mentally and physically. This contest has helped me in many ways. To read the kind words and compliments from those who nominated me the comments on social media from those who voted for me made me realize people noticed my hard work and appreciated my dedication. But most importantly, they see my heart and passion for animals.
If you are a winner, what 501(c)(3) entity, or entities, would receive your donation. If there is more than one charity, please indicate the percentage for each. Provide the organization’s name, address, email, telephone, website, and contact person.
Tift Animal Rescue, Inc.
2207 Belmont Avenue
Tifton, GA 31794
tiftrescue@yahoo.com
Lisa Marek
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
I buy cat food and spay and neuter cats in my neighborhood. I have also paid several friends/ acquaintances to have their animals fixed. I donate to Valdosta Humane Society and Hearts to Homes Humane Society in Nashville when I am able. I rescue kittens and pay for cats/kittens’ medical care when it’s necessary. I began doing this in 2016. I moved here from CT in 2015. I noticed several cats in my neighborhood and at the local library that were feral and not taken care of- as in feeding/shelter. I’ve been an animal lover since I can remember. Dogs or cats. I focus on most cats. It hurts my heart to know how many innocent animals are destroyed each day. We need legislation to spay and neuter pets.
With limited exceptions for breeders. It’s just so sad. In a small way, I’ve tried to help control the cat population in this town. I’m only one person with limited finances. I’ve probably fixed or paid for nearly 100 cats here and in this town. I’m in poor health- for a 56-year-old woman. I have COPD. It’s getting more difficult to set traps, pick them up, and deliver them to get fixed when there is a clinic.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Lisa has an unbelievable love for cats but advocates for dogs and other pets. After moving from Massachusetts to live near and help her special needs brother, she noticed many primarily feral cats in Ray City. On her own, she began humanely trapping them, getting them neutered and spayed and getting the shots, then returning them to their environment. This has gone on for 3-4 or more years … whenever she moved from her former home state. She experienced no problem during the time she performed this community service. Occasionally, she would attend Ray City Council meetings and try to find out what the city was doing, but this produced little to no information because, according to Mayor Brenda Exuum, the city of Ray City could not get help from Berrien County’s Animal Control.
Because of growing expenses, she began to get help from Nashville’s Hearts to Home Humane Society. She has also had support from two organizations in Valdosta. She was accomplishing a much-needed service in Ray City until she encountered Mayor Brenda Exuum, whom she did not know. This was before going to city council meetings. Exuum assumed Lisa knew who she was and challenged her on what she was doing. Exuum told her that she could not trap on city property. Lisa moved her humane trapping service to another piece of land. Again, she was challenged by the city police (department made up of 2 officers). She was told she was violating what the mayor ordered because the church property (where Lisa had verbal permission to trap cats) was owned by the city and leased to the church. This eventually led to her arrest, and she spent several nights in jail.
After getting out of jail and going to court, where she was fined, she has tried to work on her own Section 8 housing land where she rents and helps area neighbors. Two have multiple cats (20-30), and she has tried feeding and helping those owners. This has not set well with Mayor Exuum. Lisa has discovered that Mayor Exuum has meddled with the housing authority in Nashville, which manages her rental home. She’s been hassled by her next-door neighbor, a mayor’s friend, who claims that her car bumper is getting damaged by cats using it as a scratching post, and the list goes on. In the meantime, the mayor claims a cat she feeds at City Hall, who she says she has no control over because he “won’t stay home.”
Interestingly, she orders Lisa to keep cats “at home” and is willing to enforce with law. Lisa has persisted even with these obstacles. She gets public criticism from the mayor when in the city council. According to Exuum, Marek is creating nuisances instead of helping. Exuum has been vindictive enough to create problems for Lisa at every turn. Animal laws are not equally applied in Ray City. Regardless, Lisa Marek compassionately works to serve that community and help with a necessary service.
Please donate to your nearest humane society if you’d like to contribute.
Michelle Dupree
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
The Echols Animal Rescue started in June 2009 and has saved more than 2,200 animals! It was opened after learning that Echols County paid both an animal bounty hunter and the shelter in another county $48,000 each for euthanasia; that is a rate of $25.00 per animal, in a state which euthanizes, on average, nearly 30,000 animals each year. At that time, Echols county did not have animal control, but they hired a guy to do it on a “bounty” basis. The county had a contract with Lowndes Shelter, so the shelter and animal bounty hunter made money each time he turned in a cat or dog to be euthanized.
The animal bounty hunter was not doing “stray holds,” where they hold for a certain number of days in case the owner is looking for them; he was catching the animal then turning it straight into the shelter to be euthanized for profit. Instead of hiring an animal control officer, the county paid both him and the shelter and put that money into a shelter. With over one million animals euthanized in the U.S. each year, and thousands in my county, it was then that I knew I had to do something.
When I started, it was very hard. I felt like I was getting nowhere, and people here would not help or donate. I went to County Commissioner meetings, but it was so frustrating because they decided that animals would not be allowed here. They paid to cover one vet bill of $1,800, but that’s all the help I’ve gotten from them. Our community assumed that the county gave me money to pay the vet bills.
So, I started having fundraisers, online and in-person, to earn money to pay our vet bills. Every November, we have an auction, yard sales, car shows, and selling donated raffle items. I started a Facebook page (Echols Animal Rescue) and generated help and donations outside our county. With our non-profit status and animal license, I began making contacts with more significant rescues to take my animals once they were fixed, and we started getting a few fosters. Most of my money comes from donations from the county and the state. If selected, we may earn a grant from the Department of Agriculture to spay and neuter.
Eventually, the county hired a contractor to trap vicious animals, but this was not very helpful to the community because he could not write tickets and do proper animal control. And his contract ends in April of 2022. So, the problem is if an animal approaches someone’s house and I can’t help them, the animal gets relocated somewhere else, is shot, or is run off of their property.
People have asked me how I can do a stray hold because we are a rescue organization. Working in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, I had two of the three County Commissioners sign a paper stating that, because we do not have animal control in the county, I am allowed to do this with animals that come from within our county lines, before determining further action. Without our organization, the animals in this county would receive no help.
I am happy to say that we now have Facebook and TikTok followers on our Echols Animal Rescue pages. With those donations and help from more significant rescues, we are making it happen! We struggle every day, but I cannot stop. I think, if I stop, what will happen? Some people may say I have not made a difference, but in my thirteen and a half years of doing this, we have saved thousands of animals in my county. By the time I get an animal, it is already in such bad shape that most times, it takes a lot to get that animal healthy again.
Some naysayers chided that I would not last, that I would fold. And it has been, and is still, a struggle to pay for vet bills and supplies, but I am still here! I do most of the animal care at my home. Some are in foster care. Some are unhealthy or unsocial dogs who will never leave and require medications around the clock.
I generally handle everything from our in-takes and out-takes to vet appointments, finding rescues, and raising the money to keep us going, so all my time is devoted to this rescue, with little time for myself and my family. Despite that, my husband has been my biggest supporter. He helps me feed the animals, picks up medication, and takes some animals to the vet.
We have a small building in my yard that is cooled and heated, and they each have their kennels with a radio, so they do not bark every time they hear something. We have a high electric bill and a monthly building payment, dependent on donations. So, with comfort comes another stress of making those bills every month.
I decided a long time ago that I would not euthanize those animals but give them a home to live out what time they had left. If I close, there will be nothing here for them once again. No, I can’t help every animal because I do not have the resources, but I make a difference. So, all the hard work, crying, and begging for help, has led me to where we are today.
Thanks to all our followers who have helped me make this difference because if not for your donations, I could not help the ones I do. But honestly, we need continuous contributions of money and supplies. If we work together, we can do this. And although we struggle every day, I will not stop helping the voiceless.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Since I moved to the area in 2019, I have been amazed by Echols Animal Rescue and the one person who runs it. She has been doing for the county for over 15 years, with no financial support and often no assistance from local law enforcement. She may run from her own home and have up to 15 dogs with her and numerous fosters in place. Day in and day out, it is about the animals. She raises, sells items, and begs for donations for these animals. She has no time for herself. I’ve seen her cry when an animal cannot be helped. She is my Animal Hero!
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate via Amazon Smiles or Chewy if you’d like to contribute. You can donate to them directly at Echols Animal Rescue 141 walker circle, Statenville, GA 31648. You can call them at: 229.316.3230. Or you can email them at: echolsanimalrescue31648@yahoo.com
Michelle Williams
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Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
I started with HEART in 2017 when we had a husky in the local shelter in Valdosta. He was labeled aggressive, but after meeting him, I knew he wasn’t. I saw how huskies were judged and mislabeled. I fought to get him out, and HEART helped me, and we’ve been working together ever since! Seeing how disposable pets are to some people is a primary driving force. They do not have a choice with their fate. We do. Pets are a privilege, not a right.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
I met Michelle 6 years ago when I first started the animal rescue. I often refer to her as “my mentor,” guiding me through the ropes and establishing rescue contacts. I relied on her for ‘hard-to-move’ dogs: the ones considered less than desirable, often left behind in kill shelters. She would post to social media, network, fundraise, arrange transport, whatever means necessary to better their chances of safely getting out of the shelter. She taught me qualities to look for in rescue partners and the importance of a ‘reputable rescue.’ Together we have saved countless dogs, many of whom never had a chance without her. She is an advocate. She strives to educate the public on the importance of spay and neutering. She fosters, volunteers, transports. She takes on more than she should but never turns her back on an animal in need. She works hard to make a difference in the community.
And she does all of this with her heart. She doesn’t ask for recognition or needs acknowledgment. She shares a passion and love for saving animals. I was just fortunate to gain a friend forever. She is the most fantastic animal advocate I know and have ever had the pleasure of meeting! This woman has sacrificed her entire life for the well-being of animals! No matter the time, day, the distance, she will be there. Multiple rescues, multiple shelters! She runs many pages. Not only spaying every single animal. 99% the time, it’s out of her pocket! Recently became a realtor and still includes the rescues into her campaign and advertising! She is the most selfless, caring person I know. She is more than deserving of this award. Just recognizing her is the least I can do! No marriage, no kids! All she lives for is saving the animals. Please make sure they go to good homes! Traveling to the U.S. to transport! Above and beyond doesn’t scrape the surface of all she does! Most of the south ga animals wouldn’t stand a chance without her! Please give this award to her!
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate via PayPal, or reach them at: H.E.A.R.T. (Huskey Education and Rescue Team)7123 East Furnace Branch Road Glen Burnie, MD 21060.rescuerealtor@icloud.com.Call them at: (410) 404-6646. Or email them at:mindy@huskyrescueteam.org. They need most: Kennels, food, and heartworm prevention medication.
Nancy & Danny Griffin
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Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
I started with the Humane Society of Lowndes County, the di-rector asked for help to finish a shelter for dogs that had sat for a long time. Now we work with her transporting dogs to other people that are willing to take dogs that are unwanted. I love seeing the animals saved and enjoy seeing others who are so dedi-cated. Who want to fight for a NO kill shelter. For free or re-duced spayed and neutered. I’m with other folks about these things and will be with them till it gets done. I pray sooner than later. We are older people helping younger people and have got the know-how to get things accomplished.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
This husband-and-wife team has made many trips to transport animals. They never say no. They deserve to be recognized.
If you’d like to contribute, please donate directly to: Humane So-ciety of Valdosta, 4871 Newton Cr Valdosta Ga.31601. Or call them at: 850-371-2328.
Nancy D. Daniels
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Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
To spend quality time with my father in his old age, I moved back to my hometown of Vienna. I have loved animals all my life, so naturally, I was curious about what happened to the dogs and cats who were lost or abandoned. I visited the pound. It was not very pleasant! Immediately, I knew that I couldn’t change the world, but I could change what was happening in my backyard. This facility is where Flint Humane Society was born in 2006, Vienna Animal Shelter. I have never forgotten this little shelter of humble beginnings. I want the dogs and cats to be as comfortable and enriched as possible during their stay. I continue to move all adoptable dogs or cats from these two facilities.
What drives her to continue the work she does?
Animal rescue is like being in the Mob. Once you get in, you can’t get out. Smile. Truthfully, I am exactly where I am supposed to be, saving and enhancing the lives of animals. It isn’t easy to deal with all the varied personalities of people in rescue. I never lose focus on the pet. I am frustrated that I can’t save them all. It makes me sad. I keep going because for one that doesn’t make it out alive, ten do. I continue to march with a purpose. For those ten, plus thousands more, it is life-changing.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Nancy believes that every animal deserves a second chance at finding love and happiness. She has dedicated her life to animal advocacy in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Her work encompasses campaigning for issues affecting companion animals, networking with shelters nationwide, and helping pets in need. A lifelong animal lover and a graduate of Valdosta State University, Nancy is a thirty-one-year veteran of the public education system and a former Mercer University professor. She took a one-year sabbatical during her career to form a humane society, Flint Humane Society, to save dogs in her hometown of Vienna, Georgia. She maintained that entire shelter on her own, spending thousands of hours cleaning kennels and caring for dogs. She is currently the volunteer Transport Administrator for Valdosta Humane Society and Flint Humane Society. She writes animal-related articles for newspaper publications.
She also is writing her first book to be published with proceeds going to animal welfare. Nancy transports animals from kill shelters and low adoption areas to no-kill and high adoption areas, typically in the northern states. She has established many partnerships that promote animal welfare with PetSmart Adoption Partners, Petfinder Partnership, USDA National Dog Detector Dog Training Center, Delta Animal Rescue Transport, Giftsinkind.org, Greater Good Organization, Rescue Rebuild, Wings of Rescue, and the Heartworm Project.
Beginning a transport distribution for homeless pets in 2010, she has successfully transported thousands of pets to Adirondack Save A Stray, North Shore Animal League, Humane Society of Broward County, Tampa Bay Humane Society, Alpha Dog of Maine, Bangor Humane Society, Brandywine Valley SPCA, PA Caring for Pets, Virginia Beach SPCA, Atlanta Humane Society, New Life K9 Rescue of Canada, Niagara Dog Rescue of Canada, and most recently, Hinsdale Humane Society in Illinois, the number one most pet-friendly state. She started a volunteer program for students in the local high school, Responsible Pet Ownership. She taught the students the ability to work with animals. She showed them how to judge animal behavior. She taught them how to give physical and emotional comfort to the homeless pets. She led the volunteer students in the program on how to administer medicine, provide baths, ensure the well-being of each pet, and most of all, how to share their love with each animal.
The students were also involved in most fundraising opportunities for the animals. Nancy has written $110,000 in grant funding going directly to animal protection and awareness. Nancy organized multiple yearly events for fundraising and donations. She even had state senators showing up at small-town animal shelter fundraisers. She held wine and cheese events; Smooch A Pooch, Bone Appetit, etc. She held Texas Hold’em poker tournaments, raffles, concerts, turkey shoots(a marksmanship competition), and Flint River flotillas. She sold t-shirts and gathered shoe donations for the Island of Haiti with funds2orgs.com. She donated a truck for the humane society to use through the direction of the Dooly County Commissioners.
She orchestrated the donation of an actual dog truck by Clint Brannen Chevrolet with air-conditioned compartments for the dogs. She started the Flint Humane Society Facebook page on social media to bring awareness and solicit donations. Nancy volunteers hundreds and hundreds of hours coordinating transports of dogs. She donates her own money to veterinarian care for these animals. She has personally been involved with saving thousands of dogs. She does not get paid. Nancy has never been born for her contributions and has always worked as a volunteer. It costs her time and money, yet she does it repeatedly. She is deserving because she is a true animal hero.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate via PayPal, Amazon Smiles, Facebook, or our website if you’d like to contribute. You can send donations directly to them at #1__Flint Humane Society c/o David Mixon, Dooly County Commissioner 113 Third Street #1 Vienna, Georgia 31092 #2__City of Vienna Animal Shelter P O Box 436 Vienna, Georgia 31092. You can call them at 3. 2294430025 Flint Humane Society 2298053652 City of Vienna Animal Control, or email them at: david@myronmixon.com or covanimalcontrol@gmail.com
Rosalie Bonney
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
Helping animals daily is what keeps me going. Every day brings a new challenge. It’s a very stressful job physically and mentally, but I stay because it allows me to help the neglected and unwanted animals. My passion is nursing animals back to health, providing medical attention, and proper nutrition. At times I look at the animals in my care and think how sad it is that they are healthier and in better shape in an animal control facility than they were with their owners. I do what I can when I can. With the lack of rescue space and funds, it’s a daily struggle to keep going, but I take it one day at a time like many other shelter workers!
What drives her to continue the work she does?
I met Jody Kelly while working at LCAS. He ran the shelter I’m working at now. He used to bring his adoptable dogs to LCAS to give them more of a chance to get adopted. When I left LCAS, I asked Jody if he needed a volunteer. I started the Facebook page for him and drove to Nashville weekly to get pics of his animals to network and help transport the ones going to rescue. When he was ready to retire, he asked me if I was interested in the job, and I immediately said yes!
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Rosalie Bonney is an authentic Animal Rescue Hero! She takes cats to the veterinarian to be spayed/neutered to help reduce overpopulation. She helps owners find their lost pets and helps find shelter animals, their furever home. She does good work, and we, pet lovers, I appreciate her efforts! Please vote for Rosalie as Animal Welfare Hero 2022. I appreciate your consideration! When Rose took over for the Nashville Animal Shelter, she had to re-establish contact with all the local (and non-local rescues) in a never-ending quest to save as many animals as possible. She treats each soul who crosses her door with the love and hugs many have never experienced. She constantly reaches out to rescues for the safe placement of her dogs and cats. She posts photos and videos daily on social media to spread awareness of animals needing loving homes.
When city funds are short, which is a daily hurdle in this small rural community, she posts asking for donations of funds, food, blankets, toys, and anything to make the lives of her animals better. She involves herself in local spay and neuter programs, which we all know is the key to eliminating pet population explosions. She continues to smile and be so kind in daily heartbreak, and she is truly inspiring. There are many animal heroes, and it seems the more significant cities get the most recognition. Rose is every ounce the hero in the small town of Nashville that one could find anywhere.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
Please donate through PayPal, Amazon Wishlist and Smile, or Facebook if you’d like to contribute. You can donate directly at 701 W Washington Ave, Nashville GA 31639/ You can email them at: pawsaver78@gmail.com, call them at 229-356-0970, or PayPal at Paypal: me/cityanimalshelter. We need spay and neuter funds and stainless steel cage banks for our cats, which are very expensive but will last a lifetime and benefit cats for years!
Scott Bennett
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Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
Southern Comfort Animal Rescue (SoCo) was founded in 2001 in Savannah, Georgia, to provide shelter and find temporary foster or permanent homes for pets left behind when troops in nearby Ft. Stewart’s 3rd Infantry Division shipped out to Iraq and Afghanistan. This filled an essential need for our service people. In 2006 when we moved to Glenwood, Georgia, it became apparent that Southern Comfort would fill a critical condition in Wheeler County. This county is one of the most impoverished counties in the nation and lacks any animal control or shelters for unwanted animals. Many dogs and puppies are abandoned daily. Southern Comfort is their only hope. Every dog, and I mean EVERY dog, deserves a chance to live out their lives with their basic needs met. What I see daily breaks my heart and is just plain wrong. When I know of a dog out there suffering, starving in the woods, or living in a tiny dirt pen, I cannot sleep and need to do all I can to see them relieved of their suffering.
These years, I have seen the dogs from the most desperate conditions heal and thrive, enter a loving home, and bring joy to that family. The family is thankful and offers care and kindness to others in return. The other side of abused and abandoned dogs is the people that love them back to life. Being part of this process is my life, and I have no regrets. Being the only resource for Wheeler County dogs, we have saved dogs from every corner of the county. People leave them on the property. We get calls about abandoned and injured dogs, and we search for them and bring them to the rescue to be cared for and fed. I have made the 850 miles drive to New Jersey to have dogs adopted for ten years more than I can count. Locals contact me for help with food, vaccines, spay and neutering, medical bills.
I am happy to help people who want to do right with their dogs but cannot afford the cost. I have a good relationship with the local authorities, and they will come to me when they need assistance catching or removing dogs from a property. Southern Comfort received a grant from Fix Georgia Pets. We have volunteers work on the applications. Whenever we have someone who does not have transportation to the vet, I am happy to lend a hand. I like to think that I make the county a better place for all the dogs and people I contact.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
For the last two decades, He has dedicated his life to rescuing, healing, and re-homing abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs in rural Georgia. He runs Southern Comfort Animal Rescue (SoCo), based in Wheeler County, one of the most impoverished counties in the United States. Suppose you are familiar with dog rescue in Southern Georgia. In that case, you know the challenges he faces every day: too many dogs, pups living in horrid conditions, injuries and illness adding up vet bills, not enough foster homes, and too little money. Despite all this, SoCo has continued to be a no-kill shelter. A dozen or so dogs have been at the rescue for most of their lives. To some, it would make sense to have them euthanized to make room for other, more “adoptable” dogs. But no: he is determined to give them their chance and provides them with safety and care until they find their forever existing homes or allows them to live out their lives at the rescue. SoCo is at capacity much of the time. But that does not stop him from driving far and wide to bring in a dog with no other options. Last week, he drove out to Dublin to save Antonio (named for the gentleman who found him). Antonio appears to be a Maltese mix, approximately nine years. He was found covered in abscesses and suffering from entropion (eyelids turn inward), causing him to be blind. Many would have given up, let him be put down.
But not him. He rushed Antonio to the vet, had him cleaned, sutured, and treated him, and now Antonio is at home with him. Next will be the challenge of raising funds for vet care and finding Antonio a loving home. Different versions of this story—starving dogs, puppies abandoned at the dump, dogs living on a chain—appear every month on the SoCo Facebook page. We have just about 13,000 followers cheering on each dog and Scott and waiting to hear the fate of these precious beings. SoCo Rescue is a former industrial building outfitted with kennels and several outdoor pens – enough to hold about 80 dogs at a time. Each week dogs that arrive are vaccinated, de-wormed, and treated with antibiotics if they have infections or diseases. Many of the sick and injured live with him in his office or master bath as he helps them heal. He drives 25 to 30 rehabilitated dogs each month in a bus 850 miles north to New Jersey. This is an arduous mission as the pups and dogs need to be fed, cleaned, and walked. At night, he joins the pack, setting up his bed on the bus floor.
This has affectionately become known as the “Freedom Ride.” At the end of the journey, the bus is greeted by eager volunteers who organize adoption events and often foster puppies and older dogs. While in foster homes, the pups and dogs are given basic training and have time to overcome their anxiety and trauma while they become accustomed to interacting with people, other dogs, cats, or other pets. Sooner and sometimes later, each pup finds its way to a loving home. Adoption photos are shared to witness the wonder of rescuing the world’s power of kindness and good. Over the years, a community has evolved where the values of generosity, care, and hope are cultivated. Scott Bennett has been the inspiration for this community. He knows almost every adopter, and they all remember him fondly. The moment of inspiration came some time ago when I was fostering a dog named Barkley who was afraid of people, especially men. Barkley had been taken into several homes but returned each time. I asked for help, and Scott came to my house to visit with Barkley. I could not believe my eyes when Barkley met him with a wagging tail, jumps, and kisses. I saw the truth of trust and hope. Barkley was eventually adopted and today lives a happy and healthy life in a loving home. Of course, the overpopulation of dogs will not be solved by adoptions.
Committed to ending the overpopulation problem, SoCo has received a grant from Fix Georgia Pets to assist those who do not have the means to spay/neuter their dogs and cats. Volunteers at SoCo vet applications and notify pet owners of support awarded. Still, many do not have the funds for the required rabies vaccine or have transportation. In these cases, he will have SoCo cover the cost of vaccines and arrange transportation so that everyone who wants their pets spayed/neutered can do so. When people say he has “dedicated” his life to rescuing dogs, there can be no overstating the word’s meaning. He is CEO of SoCo Rescue and its chief medical officer, head trainer, primary doggy psychologist, pack leader, handyman, pooper-scooper, driver, and fund-raiser. He takes no salary from the rescue. He works, literally, every single day. He has a few days off and takes rare vacations. Saving dogs is his life. The miracle of his work is that while SoCo Rescue is a small, shoestring operation, its impact is massive.
In 2020, SoCo adopted more than 400 dogs – more than once per day. Thousands of dogs have gone from lives of desperation, deprivation, and cruelty to loving, caring homes. Thousands of dogs that would undoubtedly have suffered and died have come to SoCo and hit the lottery – they’ve gone on to live the kind of happy, comfortable lives every dog deserves. There are undoubtedly many people working in dog rescue who do great work. He is eminently worthy of recognition.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate via PayPal, Venmo, Facebook, Amazon Wishlist/Smile, Chewy Wishlist, or directly to: Southern Comfort Animal Rescue, Inc, 1484 N. Highway 19, Glenwood, GA 30428. You can email them at: SoCoRescue8@gmail.com. Or you can call them at: (912) 423-0145. Most needed: What we need most now are contributions towards building our new rescue. Last Spring, we purchased a new property and had been busy converting the horse stable into dog kennels. Our old building is quite worn and does not have indoor/outdoor kennels. We are committed to providing improved living quarters for all our dogs and have progressed on this mission over the past ten months. We need financial donations, construction materials (currently fencing), and volunteers to help with the building to complete the construction.
FINAL QUESTION:
I was touched to be nominated not once but seven times, and I was pretty flattered by all the beautiful things said. I am honored to have the opportunity to spend my days and nights saving puppies and dogs from living in horrid conditions, from being homeless and suffering needlessly. I feel I must do everything to save a life in my heart. No matter the circumstance, every dog or puppy deserves a chance to live a good life. Southern Comfort Animal Rescue is a no-kill rescue and always will be.
I can’t say if I deserve the award. Still, I can tell you that I spend just about every day working from cleaning kennels to walking dogs to driving to the vet to bottle-feeding puppies, to doing every type of construction or repair, to entering the woods or abandoned homes or crawls spaces to offer hopeless dogs a chance to live a good life. I have been making the 850-mile journey to adoption day with 25-30 dogs just about monthly for the past ten years. While this is not for everyone, I find that being on the road with the dogs knowing they are on their way to loving homes, is a joy. Of course, none of this would be possible without all the great people who volunteer their time and make significant and small donations to keep us going. We are a team, and my place in this world is on the SoCo Team.
Name as Desired: Scott Bennett
Complete Mailing Address: 1484 N Highway 19, Glenwood GA, 30428
Phone Number: 912 423 0145
Email Address: socorescue8@gmail.com
Organization to receive winnings: Southern Comfort Animal Rescue (as above)
Sheila Griner
Article
What their nominator(s)said about them:
Sheila spends about 40 hours a week helping with lost and found and missing animals. She also transports and donates to animal welfare.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate via Facebook for Brantley Animal Rescue Coalition, or email them at: sosfordogs@gmail.com.
Susan P. Jamerson
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Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
When I realized our county was euthanizing all the animals at the animal control facility, I wanted to work to improve these conditions. I joined the newly formed shelter, only to realize that the county was funding this shelter a few months later, but the women in charge took the animals into Canada, sold these dogs, and pocketed the money. I resigned from the board. The board of that shelter closed it down due to the underhanded things going on. The county administrator approached a friend and me about taking over the facility and animal control. We opted to give it a try. My drive comes from the fact that I always want to do better, learn more, improve what I find lacking.
I always strive to finish what I started. My staff and the board of directors have come a long way, but we all feel like we have a long way to go. But we aren’t stopping. Our most significant contribution is that we have opened some eyes to what goes on in our county. Before, our citizens weren’t aware of the atrocities in animal welfare. We have begun to print these events on our Facebook page, our local paper, etc. We feel that when we know for a fact of someone dumping animals, fighting animals, or abusing animals, they will find themselves in our sights. We even implemented a spay/neuter program in 2016, in which we had 427 animals sterilized free.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
She goes out of state with animals regularly. The public is helping her with donations. One of her daughters works with her at the center. They have made many contributions and have spent it for the shelter. They are no-kill at the shelter. They are fabulous for what they do. The shelter before Ms. Jamerson was horrible and on the verge of being closed. Significant difference. Clean. Doesn’t smell. Do not feel depressing. Cleaned the kennels—heaters for the dogs. Now, dogs are not euthanized unless the vet says to euthanize them. She educates kids. Brought the school in. Different atmosphere. She is very welcoming when people come out. Separate cat room. She doesn’t have the words to tell how hard she has worked: mainly her and one of her daughters who helps her.
Awesome person. She takes a little bit and makes the most of it. Works with rescues. Lots of pit bulls in the county. Lots of pit mixes. He gets animals spayed and neutered. It helps get the cats fixed. She has a calling. She would put the money to good use. Heaters for the dogs when before they were in terrible, smelly conditions. Windbreaks for the dogs. She deserves the recognition. This is her passion. She cares about the animals. She is very thankful. She buys the propane from her husband so the dogs will be warm at night. Very sweet. A little sassy if someone does not treat animals right.
She is determined. She knows the effort reflects on herself. Stitches are the animal shelter. You can adopt animals from them. The contest was shared on Facebook. This is a no-kill shelter now. She devotes her time to the animal shelter in the county. Her daughter works with her too. There were a lot of problems before her, in good standing with the Department of Agriculture. She is a volunteer and not paid.
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate via PayPal or send them donations directly to Stitches for Mitchell County Inc., 4380 Puppy Lane, Camilla, GA, 31730. You can call them at: (229)336-7030 or email them at: StitchesforMitchellCo-Inc@yahoo.com. They have the following needs: We would love to have four heating/cooling window units. We need kennels to keep our litters of puppies separated while giving them the ability to get outside when the weather is nice. We would love to have metal roll-up doors around our outside kennel pads instead of the tarps. We would love to have a van to transport dogs to rescue and the ability to afford the insurance and the upkeep.
Tara Parker
Article
Why did you begin (to help with) this organization?
I started as a foster and volunteer with the Humane Society of Valdosta in 2011. We have fostered and rescued many dogs in our family. I volunteer and help organize the workforce, transportation, donations, events, etc. How was the executive director of the Humane Society Valdosta Lowndes County?
I’m now a Director as a member of the Thomasville Thomas County Humane Society board. I also spend several hours a week trying to volunteer to help network and coordinate transportation of animals out of areas with high euthanasia rates to places where they are more likely to be adopted and avoid euthanasia because it is such a high risk, especially in Lowndes County. My biggest goal is to eliminate the practice of euthanasia. We can do this by reducing overpopulation. This is accomplished through spay/neuter services & reduction in breeding – planned or “accidental.”
I want to push for legislation to reduce animal overpopulation issues through spay and neutering, incentives, and punishments for unaltered animals- so that people will take better care of their animals. I would like to see an end to backyard breeding. I would like to see access to low-cost spay neutering services for people who want to take better care of their animals and want to be a part of the solution for animal overpopulation.
Euthanasia rates and practices are absurd, particularly in Middle & South Georgia. They are easily avoided by spay and neutering services because animals who aren’t born don’t need to be rescued.
Lastly, I want to see severe punishments & a significant increase in arrests, fines, incarcerations, etc., for animal neglect & cruelty. People who will abuse or neglect animals will do things to humans. There’s no excuse for harming innocent creatures who cannot defend themselves. There’s no excuse for turning to look the other way. We as human beings know what right and wrong look like. We need to protect those who cannot defend themselves. I have no tolerance for time for people who harm other souls where they have fur or skin; it’s wrong. There’s no reason for us to allow for it to continue as a society.
I hope I have helped save Many dogs and cats and a few other species. Through my efforts, I will continue to try to make a difference until this is no longer an area of need.
What their nominator(s)said about them:
When Tara was at Humane Society, she worked hard on getting a dog shelter finished that had been sitting for a while. On Facebook, she rescues animals. When I ask for volunteers, she works beside them. I know for a fact in the rain she helped us. She goes and gets animals if she can’t find a volunteer that can do it. On the phone with Rescuers of all kinds to help them with whatever situation they’re in.
She helped get even pigs and horses where they needed to be. She has tried to get a no-kill shelter here! Has fought to keep the shelter from killing them. She was saving cats and dogs. I got a reduced spaded and neutered for animals. Got them ready for transport. She is still working, even being out of town for now. She is an Advocate for underdogs! Supporters/volunteers &Animal Rescue/Advocacy South Ga Region. When most people stop, Tara does not!
Ways to Donate (PayPal, Amazon, Facebook, etc.)
If you’d like to contribute, please donate via the Amazon wish list or directly to Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society at 4911 Timberwood Drive
Hahira, GA 31632
So far as we are concerned, all nominees for this contest are winners, just by the publicity they will receive regarding their efforts. This contest is intended to give exposure to those organizations and individuals within the Animal Welfare Community, so that contributions will be recognized and, hopefully, donations will be forthcoming.
We thank all of you for your involvement in this process, whether as a nominator, or as a nominee. Folks can vote for five different people. Nominating the same person multiple times will not guarantee them a win.
To clarify, neither the number of nominations, nor the number of votes, will decide who wins this contest. The judges, in their sole discretion, will decide the winners. Already, the competition is intense, and we expect it to become even more so as the end of this contest approaches. Those who do not win this year, will have an opportunity again next year.
If you have concerns, we encourage you to share them on our Contact Us page. Best wishes to you, in the spirit of a friendly competition, designed to benefit Animal Welfare in south Georgia.
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