It's our Birthday!

Happy 35th Birthday, Woodford Humane Society!
Sandy Davis, Public Relations Director

Imagine if the Woodford Humane Society didn’t exist. What would have happened to the over 1,000 animals we provided care for last year? And, to the thousands upon thousands of orphaned pets who found homes since we were founded in 1975?

Of course, no one wants to think of these answers or what it would be like if Woodford Humane were not serving our community’s homeless pets. No one wants to know how many perfect and precious pets die needlessly across this nation each year. It’s estimated that only 25% of pets nationwide who find themselves homeless will get adopted. 25% is not good enough. Today, the Woodford Humane Society finds forever homes for approximately 90% of our community’s homeless pets.

How could we possibly reach this unbelievable adoption rate? The credit goes to Woodford Humane Society’s founding Board of Directors (then called “membership”) which included Phil Mulholland, president; Julie Hahn, vice president; Barbara Walters, secretary; Betty Borowiak, treasurer, Dr. J. E. Barrows, Mrs. Zane Young, and Wendell Harris, directors; and Mrs. Greta Denny, special projects. This group of concerned citizens simply said, “No more.” On March 25, 1975, they created the Woodford Humane Society and began saving lives, one pet at a time. They started without a building, without funds or supplies, and, of course, without computers or the internet. What they did have was courage, will and determination to make changes for the animals. They worked closely with then dog warden, Clarence Jones. They looked into the future and led us to where we are today. It is because of our founders that we are able to draw strength and continue improving the lives of our community’s homeless pets while we work to find them a home.

Happy 35th Birthday, Woodford Humane Society! And a special thank you to all who make this organization possible - our Community, Founders, Board of Directors, Advisory Council, Volunteers, Supporters, Staff and, of course, to our furry friends. Together, we continue to reach a day where there are no more homeless pets. The Woodford Humane’s mission is SAVE: Spay/Neuter, Adopt, Volunteer, and Educate. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization without any government funding.

Help celebrate Woodford Humane’s birthday! Bring a birthday present for our homeless pets to our Adoption Center. We open every day at noon and are located on 265 Thomas Lane in Versailles. The animals always need toys and treats, paper towels and bleach or just a cuddle or a belly rub.

Or, stop by on our birthday. On Thursday March 25, our Adoption Center hosts Woodford County Chamber of Commerce’s “Chamber After Hours” social from 4-6pm. Free to attend and refreshments provided. For more information and to attend, visit woodfordcountyinfo.com.


This article written for and published by The Woodford Sun. March 18, 2010