KISS AND TAIL

By EMILY NAGLE

EMILY NAGLE FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day quickly approaches, and what better way to spend the holiday than smooching pooches at local pet shelters and humane societies? Well, this February, the Blooming Grove Humane Society is giving community members the opportunity to do just that when they host their Love a Pet supply drive from Monday, February 12th to Friday, February 16th.  

The Humane Society has many support systems and volunteers that assist them throughout the year.  For instance,  the Washingtonville Middle School collects supplies year round and hosts their own supply drives and fundraisers.  These drives help support the animals in the shelter by providing a more comfortable lifestyle. 

Luigi the cat still needs a home.

The volunteers at the Humane Society are trying their very hardest to showcase some of the animals that are in need,  Joanna Ogrodnik, a volunteer at the Blooming Grove Humane Society expressed, “Hopefully our methods will bring in lots of supplies and make the lives of the homeless animals as comfortable as possible.  There are many ways the community can lend a helping hand!”

As a whole, the Humane Society hopes to gain a large response from the drive.   Ruthie Gannon, another volunteer at the shelter, articulated, “My experience makes me feel like I am making a difference to the lives of these animals. I feel like this will really bring a lot of positive attention to the shelter which will put a spotlight on the great needs of these loving animals.”

The Humane Society is not only in dire need of supplies, they are also looking to obtain more volunteers to help out on a daily basis.  Volunteer hours are Thursdays through Sundays, from 9 am to 12 pm.  All volunteers must have a signed permission slip that is available to pick up at the Humane Society at 2741 Route 94, Blooming Grove.  Volunteers under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by an adult over the age of eighteen.  Maintaining and caring for thirty cats and twelve dogs is no easy task so, the more volunteers they have, the better!

Piggy found her forever home.

Headed by Joanna Ogrodnik, and Ruthie Gannon, Love a Pet is the first supply drive organized by Washingtonville High School students through the Community Service Club.  There will be drop boxes located in the main office, the front desk, room 229, room 231, and room 154 of the high school. 

Supplies and volunteers are always welcomed outside of the drives.  Donations and help are needed year round.  This benefits the Humane Society drastically and gives these animals a more comfortable environment to live in.   This Valentine’s Day, show some love to those who need it most.  Let’s help find these animals their forever homes.