September 2018
By Maggie Moran

As summer is winding down, I look back on the last eight months and wonder, as we all do, where did the time go. We have been very busy at The Oconee Regional Humane Society Center. We have had many litters of puppies and kittens as well as older dogs and cats. It’s always great to get a healthy dog or cat but sometimes their condition, when we rescue them, would break your heart. And some will look into your eyes and almost say “thank you”. Most of the time we were at max capacity with one recent litter born in the bathroom. But we have also had wonderful families that show the love and care these helpless animals need. As we say goodbye to our furry friends, as they go to their forever homes, we know that the work we do at ORHS is more than rewarding.
 
ORHS is dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our community. We rescue animals from animal control facilities and from other homeless situations. We provide a safe haven with foster families or at our Adoption Center, until the animals are adopted into loving homes. We work to end animal over population and disease through an aggressive spay/neuter program. We do our best to socialize them before they go off to their forever homes.
 
Since March 1st, we have been collecting donations for our Treasure/ Yard Sale on September 22nd and 23rd. This is our big fundraiser of  the year and I can tell you our many volunteers have shown up and worked until the job was done. Pricing, packing up boxes, moving and rearranging storage units and meeting customers for pre-sales. Our community has been very generous with their donations.
 
With fall approaching, we will be advertising for board members. You might ask, what does an ORHS Board member do? Each member serves a three-year term and is expected to attend a monthly meeting, and actively participate in at least one committee. All members serve on a voluntary basis. But the real reward is knowing that you played a major role, in saving a desperate animal and helped in finding them a forever home. If you are interested, please stop by for a board application or call us at 706-454-1508.
 
WILL YOU HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

By Maggie Moran
 
Welcome to our ORHS newsletter!  First, I’d like to thank Stephanie Coleman and Dave Delich for their dedication and leadership over the past years.  We have a great Board in place ready to have an exciting year.
 
As you all know, the main purpose of ORHS is to rescue cats and dogs and provide love and care plus whatever is necessary to prepare them for their forever homes.  Some are easier than others, but that is what makes ORHS unique – we just don’t give up.
 
This can’t be done alone.  We have generous supporters – be it monetarily or by volunteering.  I personally appreciate this more than you will ever know.  Anyone that has ever been involved in fundraising knows and understands how difficult it is but also how necessary it is to accomplish our goals.
 
Our volunteers are the backbone of ORHS and we never have enough.   Perhaps you love animals but are allergic to dogs and cats or you are busy and can’t make a commitment at this time.  Did you know that you could make a couple phone calls a month (on your schedule) to remind someone that they are scheduled to have their dog or cat spayed or neutered?  You could also make a call as a follow up on an adoption just to see how things are going.   Maybe you are good with the computer or publicity etc.  Trust me, we can use whatever skills you might want to share.
 
There is, of course, always a need for volunteers to help with fundraising.  But big fundraisers are one part - also important are the small fundraisers by individuals (children & adults) – lemonade stands – dog washes – bake sales- birthday parties – special event parties – individuals who have had donation drives at work – Creativity is a wonderful thing.
 
Let me close by saying the individuals who volunteer and support ORHS have enormous hearts and have a dedicated effort to rescue our furry friends.  I am so very proud to be associated with this wonderful organization.  Maybe you have a big heart and passion and would like to be a part our team. Give us a call.