Granville County Humane Society
NEWS

Meet the Dogs 2006 was definitely an experience.  On April 22 we held Meet the Dogs at the Gazebo area in Butner, NC.  We also had rain and rain and more rain.  Luckily, we had about an hour and a half to squeeze the demos into that the weather was tolerable.  The DogGoneFast flyball team from the Triangle area performed several runs for those gathered.  Officer Lowell Wilkins of the Granville County Sheriff’s Department and his Labrador Retriever, “Ice,” did a demonstration of drug and articles (thrown guns, evidence, drugs etc.) detection.  Peggy Wilkinson and “Andy” did a wonderful obedience demonstration.  Marti Campbell and “Bitsy” did several runs on the agility equipment.  Peggy and Marti are both HSGC members.

“Bitsy,” a Sheltie, competes often in agility competitions up and down the East Coast.  Anyone watching her could see her speed, skill and enthusiasm while running the course.  She has done very well in competition. “Andy” is a mixed breed, but has competed in numerous obedience trials.  “Andy” has earned both novice and open titles as well as scoring two perfect 200 scores.  In fact one judge, at the novice level, gave him one of only three perfect scores she has ever awarded.  His perfect 200 score was the first she had awarded in over eight years.  Yep folks, we have talent in our ranks!

There were several rescue groups present, Dr. Susan Thompson of Tabbs Creek Animal Hospital had a wonderful display,  and Granville County 4-H had some of their members and lots of information about summer 4-H projects. There were vendors selling dog beds and bowls, Alex O’Connor was present with her wonderful artwork and Betty McAllister was taking incredible photographs of people and their dogs.  The only thing missing was a huge crowd.  While a few brave souls attended during our window of opportunity, the weather kept many at home – can’t say I blame them.   We had the staff at Jack’s Mini Mart in Butner watching the Weather Channel for us.  When they called to say we were under a severe thunderstorm warning and it should hit us in half an hour we cleared out.  One of the most rewarding things, for me, was to see the complete cooperation displayed by all the participants in helping others pack up before the storm hit.  We made it just in time and only had to retrieve two tents that blew across the parking lot.

Since we had published a rain date of April 29, we held Meet the Dogs – Revisited on that date.  The day was beautiful.  Some of the participants from the previous week were able to rejoin us as well as some new faces.  Again, the turnout of the public was limited.  Only this time it was due to the great publicity we got in the local papers about the April 22 MTDs.  The Henderson Dispatch had a nice article on MTDs on Sunday, April 23.  The Butner-Creedmoor News and the Oxford Ledger had nice articles that Thursday.  Two of the articles published nice pictures as well.  Since the media coverage was so good, it must have seemed to the public that we had held the event as originally scheduled.  Those that did attend seemed to enjoy themselves.  I know I enjoyed meeting them and their dogs.  All dogs present were well mannered and adorable!

Even though I wish we had more of the public in attendance (we’ll get them next year), the event was still a success.  Funds were raised that will be able to help the animals of Granville County.  I know a lot of different people did a lot of work on such a messy day.  Then for some of them to return the next week was what made it work.  To HSGC members -- Marti, Peggy, Marla, Natalie, Gay, Bruce, Angela, Daniel, Vanessa a big Thank You.  An extra big THANKS goes to HSGC’s Kym for her efforts with the raffle.  Not only did Kym “man” the table and sell tickets, she acquired some wonderful prizes.  I don’t think we have ever had the numbers and quality of raffle prizes before.  Her efforts were amazing.

For all of you who braved the weather and made the effort, a huge THANK YOU.   While the first Saturday was miserable the fellowship was as wonderful as the weather on the second Saturday.  If you missed MTDs 2006, I hope you will be able to attend Meet the Dogs 2007!

HSGC's Peggy Wilkerson and "Andy"
with an Obedience Demonstration.
 

HSGC's Marla Garbarino and "Cocoa"
 

Artist Alex O'Connor and her wonderful artwork!
 

The 4H group lead by Sean Higgins on left.
 

Malamute Rescue's very own "Ozzy"
 

DogGoneFast Flyball Demo
 

Barbi, "Cody the Wonder Dog", and Amanda

HSGC's Marty Campbell and "Bitsy" the fabulous !!

HSGC's Kym Tyler mans the Raffle Tent with
help from Barbi and "Cody"

HSGC's Daniel Coleman and the
Kid's "Feed the Dog" Game

Officer Lowell Wilkins from the Granville County
Sheriff's Office, and his drug dog "Ice"

"Mia" Coleman    I think she wants to run the Flyball course!
 
 

FUNDRAISER
Ink Jet and Laser Cartridge Collection Program
The Humane Society is participating in the "Cash for Critters"
program.  Simply drop off your empty ink jet or laser cartridges
and we can exchange them for Cash-$2.00-$12.00 each!
What an easy way
to raise money for our Animal Shelter! Be sure to tell your
friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers to save their
empties too!!
This program has raised over $500.00 since March 2004.
Cartridges can be dropped off at the Granville County Animal
Shelter or Butner Veterinary Clinic.
Help us help the Critters!!!

Anyone interested in Volunteering at the Granville County Shelter on Saturday and/or Sunday, please email hsgcinfo@gloryroad.net

 Catnip Colony News:
    I am always looking for volunteers to help with hauling feral cats to and from Operation Catnip in Raleigh on the first Sunday of each month.  These cats really need your help to get spayed/neutered as well as vaccinated.
           Operation Catnip (919) 779-7247 (Raleigh) Feral cat aid program. For more information concerning the trapping and and spaying of feral cat colonies.
           P. O. Box 90744 Raleigh, N.C. 27675