Beaufort Humane Society
Written by Amy Moberly
s I am composing my first article for the Breeze, I am looking into the largest emerald eyes I have ever seen. They belong to my cat, Koal -- a large black American Short Hair that is completely devoted to me. He was rescued from the Savannah shelter just one day before his mother and littermates were euthanized due to their upper respiratory infection.
Before Koal was Jack, my large orange and white tabby. He adopted my husband and me when he was virtually left to fend for himself when his mama cat could not take care of him. When my good friend Shere found my next cat, a beautiful white and black bruiser of a cat, Beauregard, he was chasing a little girl down the middle of Bridge Street. When she questioned the little girl, she said her mama told her that they could not keep him anymore and they tossed him out. He was hungry, had multiple wounds and needed much care. Last and certainly not least is my little Butter Bean, a.k.a. Handy, a beautiful ancient looking brown tabby. She was part of a litter of kittens I was fostering for the Beaufort Humane Association before I became a member of the board. Her littermates were healthy, but she suffers from a yet to be diagnosed mal-absorption problem. She nearly starved before my eyes. Rather than euthanize her, I nursed her to where her own little body had a fighting chance. It would have been too much to ask me to adopt her to anyone else, so she is with us.
What is more incredible is that these are the stories we hear every day. They are not out of the ordinary, and hundreds if not thousands of animals in our community suffer these fates. My four were lucky but many do not have that chance. My goal this year is to use the space that Donna and the Bluffton Breeze have so graciously donated to us for educating and enlightening our community about the needs of our animal friends.
Who are we? We are the Beaufort Humane Association. Our mission for over thirty years has been to help the animals in all of Beaufort County. We believe in a strong spay/neuter policy for our public, and we fund that belief through low-cost surgeries. We foster the multitude of healthy puppies and kittens from the county animal shelter and then adopt them or return them to the shelter when they are of the age to be spayed or neutered. We have a Senior Assistance program already established and many other exciting programs in the wings. We are an all-volunteer organization and utilize our local veterinarians to help us with the medical needs of our fosters and rescues. Of course, we are always looking for like-minded people who want to be a part of our mission to make Beaufort County a paradise for our animal friends.
We have two shelters in our community that remain full year round – you can help stem the tide of unwanted litters of kittens and puppies. Cat colonies and trap-neuter-release programs work and are good for our community as opposed to the alternative of trap and euthanize. I hope to bring awareness to our community about current animal friendly legislation and legislation that is not yet on the books. I will introduce you to people who are trying to save lives and make a difference one animal at a time and that includes all of the wildlife rehabilitation that goes on in our back yards!
Our work is important because a truly healthy community is healthy not only for its human inhabitants but also is a thriving community for the domestic and wild life we share the earth with. Perhaps these articles will inspire you to go to one of our local shelters and adopt an adult dog or cat that needs another chance. The human – animal bond is strong; they enrich our lives in many ways.
So, if you are one of us, go home and hug your dog or give your cat an extra scratch. Maybe make room for a new member of the family. Encourage your family, friends and neighbors to open their hearts and homes to one of our homeless animals. Oh, and if you see an injured, stray or lost animal – please help. Chances are someone is missing that fury friend very much!
I can’t imagine my life without my four misfits! They turn a lousy day into sunshine and make a great day even grander! If my enthusiasm will encourage just one reader to go to PetsMart or one of the animal shelters to adopt a cat or dog, then this article has served the animal kingdom well and Jack, Koal, Beau and the Butter Bean have all earned their Fancy Feast this day!
The Beaufort Humane Association Adopt A Pet
Katie
Katie is an approximately 8 year old red Golden Retriever found abandoned in the Lake Linden neighborhood. She gets along well with people and other dogs but needs a quiet place to spend her days. She is happy to keep you company and take short walks. Loves rides in golf carts! If you can give this old girl the love and care she deserves please call Joan @petSmart 836.2020 or email Amy at landfall23@hargray.comTo find out about adopting Katie go to www.beauforthumane.org or email the BHA at beauforthumane@aol.com.
