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Photo by Kaylee Cook/Staff CHHS executive director David Stroud pets a shelter cat.
The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is in need of new and gently used blankets, towels and flat sheets, as well as other supplies to help keep the animals happy and healthy.
“We’re always in need of basic shelter supplies, food, treats and toys, but our most urgent need at the moment is flat sheets and blankets,” executive director David Stroud said.
The shelter, which boasts separate facilities for felines and canines, uses blankets on the animals’ beds, which are specifically designed to keep them off of the floor, to provide extra warmth, especially in light of recent cold weather.
“Even though our modern shelter is well heated, and every dog has their own bed raised off of the floor, the blankets provide an extra layer of comfort and warmth,” Stroud said.
The shelter takes in animals of all ages and quite often has a lot of puppies or dogs that may not be house trained yet. The flat sheets are spread out in the puppy pens in order to make cleaning up easier.
“The non-fitted sheets are used for lining our puppy pens when we set them out each morning for some fresh air and sunshine,” Stroud said. “Puppies, doing what puppies tend to do, soil the sheets quite frequently and there are only so many times we can wash them without causing damage to our laundry equipment.”
The non-profit shelter was established in 1987 and relies solely on donations, grants, bequests and special events to fund its operations.
“CHHS receives no tax dollars from any state or county government, and no funding from any national animal organization,” Stroud said. “Individual donations, grants, bequests and special events allow our no-kill shelter to continue our mission of rescue, compassionate care, spay/neuter and adoption for thousands of abandoned and neglected animals in the past 35 years.”
The shelter also offers in-house rabies vaccinations through their certified rabies vaccinators, as well as educational programs to teach the importance of being a responsible pet owner and pet therapy and visitation services for elderly citizens in the community.
CHHS is currently home to 90 animals, however, the year-round average is typically around 110, and oftentimes the shelter may have upwards of 130 to 150 animals in the summer which is described as peak “kitten season.”
“Kitten season” typically lasts from April to October and refers to the period of time when more female cats are giving birth to more litters. While it can happen any time of the year, some factors that contribute to “kitten season” are longer days, warmer weather and easier access to food.
CHHS offers adoption as well as fostering programs for the animals. However, there are other ways that one can get involved with the shelter.
“The top three ways to get involved and make a positive difference in the lives of our shelter pets are to adopt, donate and volunteer,” Stroud said.
Some items that are always in need at the shelter are laundry detergent, preferable Tide Pods, crunchy dog treats such as Milk Bones, unscented cat litter, canned dog and cat food, dry kibble (specifically Purina dog and cat chow or puppy and kitten chow), durable toys, paper towels, bleach, heavy-duty trash bags, leashes, collars, bowls and crates.
“We are immensely thankful and very, very grateful for the support we have received from the animal lovers in our community,” Stroud said. “Their kindness and generosity are what makes our life saving work possible.”
For more information on the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, visit chhumanesociety.org or facebook.com/CashiersHighlandsHumane. To contact the shelter call 743-5752 or email info@chhumanesociety.org.
- By Kaylee Cook