UNFORTUNATELY,SOMETIMES in life, it takes a tragic accident to unveil a place of great need. This is what happened on a freezing-cold winter night in 1978 when many of the animals at the city pound were found frozen to death. In May of the same year, in sincerest response, the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association (SBCHA) was founded in hopes to ensure this type of tragedy would have fewer odds of ever being repeated. The SBCHA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization funded by contributions and fundraising events. SBCHA is a separate entity from both Shelbyville Animal Control and Bedford County Animal Control. Although, all three groups work together at times to best care for animals. An all-volunteer staff runs SBCHA.
The overarching mission of all humane societies is simple: to create a more humane society. For SBCHA, the mission concentrates specifically on Shelbyville, Bedford County, and its inhabitants. The mission statement reads, “Our mission at SBCHA is to improve the welfare of all animals in our community through various avenues. We strive to educate the public in responsible pet ownership, the importance of spay/neuter, and to give voice and shelter to all the unwanted, abandoned, and abused animals in our community.”
In the early years of SBCHA’s existence, many of the rescued animals were kept solely in foster homes across the county until new home placements were appointed. In approximately 2002, a small, no-kill shelter was opened. Opening the shelter took the pressure off of a lot of foster homes, but many are still used on an as-needed basis. Once an animal is in the care of SBCHA, he/she is examined by a licensed veterinarian, updated on all vaccinations, and spayed or neutered if he/she is at an appropriate age. This is to ensure safety and health for everyone across the board and to provide the best care for the animals. At this time, SBCHA is committed to specifically cats and dogs.
The goal of SBCHA is to help facilitate adoptions and place animals in loving and responsible homes where they will live for the rest of their lives. Christine Abbey-Carlton, SBCHA’s treasurer and cat adoption coordinator expressed, “We are proud of our target of placing at least 100 dogs and cats a year in excellent and loving homes. One of our favorite things is receiving pictures and emails from adopters showing how happy they and their new pets are.”
To help ensure pets are indeed going to safe and loving homes, all potential adopters are required to fill out an adoption application. Then, applicants undergo an interview process.
Do you love dogs and cats yet are currently not ready to make a lifelong commitment by adding another member to your family? Outside of adoption, there are other ways you can help keep animals safe, healthy, and happy. The first way is to volunteer your time. Each day at the shelter, many tasks need accomplishing. These tasks range from helping with adoption paperwork to aiding in animal care. Opening your home up as a foster home is also another great need. Fostering allows animals to be in a safe environment while their forever home placement is confirmed. Another way to meet a practical need is donating dog/ cat food, trash bags, towels, blankets, etc. A full list is available on SBCHA’s website. Monetary gifts are always appreciated and needed as they go a long way in helping out with monthly expenses. -GN
