Originally posted to the web in News, on Friday, February 25, 2005 12:11 PM CST.
Humane Society of Wickenburg needs volunteers to assist in operation
By Janet DelTufo, Staff Writer
Volunteers are needed for the Humane Society of Wickenburg, and interested persons can call 684-8801 for more information.
The Society is seeking a volunteer coordinator, and volunteers are needed in the areas of fostering pets, office support, construction, kennel care and clean up, adoption counseling, fundraising events and dog/cat socialization.
The Society recently received its 501(3)C tax-exempt status and can begin receiving large donations.
Currently only a small handful of volunteers are performing all the services needed to build a successful humane society. Those who are volunteering often work 40 hours each week for the Society on a non-paid basis.
"We haven't had as many people volunteer as we need to help care for the animals or help with many other tasks," said Society member Natalee Rallo. "Sometimes people will say to me, 'this is a good thing you're doing,' but this is not us Š it's a community thing."
Rallo said without community help, the Society will have a very difficult time succeeding. She said besides providing basic care for dogs that have been picked up by Wickenburg Animal Control and released by the town to be euthanized, some of the animals need constant medical attention. It also takes several weeks to find homes for some of the animals that have been saved from being euthanized.
She said the impact of taking care of released town dogs makes it very difficult to take dogs or cats from area residents, even though the Society has found a place to temporarily kennel some of these animals at Rancho Del Rio.
Richard Ringwood, acting as a private citizen, is providing a portion of Rancho Del Rio for the animals. He has facilitated discussions with Double D Western World for free dog food and has also been in contact with other individuals regarding low cost medical supplies.
None of the Society's animals have been at the Rancho Del Rio location for the past week, due to flooding on the property during the recent storms. They were evacuated and will be returned when the heavy rains end.
Bar S Animal Clinic and the Wickenburg Veterinary Clinic continue to provide discounted boarding and medical fees. Other groups and businesses have contributed to the Society, including a woman in Congress who recently donated $5,000.
Buckshot Babes and the Red Hat Ladies took part in a recent tea party and donated the proceeds to the Humane Society. Additionally, the next benefit dinner is expected to take place on May 14 at the Wickenburg Community Center.
Donations and volunteers are needed, and those who are interested in making a donation can now do so with a determination letter showing the Society's 501(C)3 status. This status dates back to Sept. 7, 2004, when the Society incorporated.
Rallo said the Society needs a land donation and a minimum of $250,000 to build a facility. She is going to start working with a grant writer. Volunteer Kimberly Prince has taken over as the Fundraiser Chair.
Rallo said that Prince is trying to form a committee and is actively seeking committee members.
For more information on how to help the Humane Society of Wickenburg, call 684-8801 or visit http://www.wickenburghumane.org on the Web.
For information on who to call regarding feral cats, call AZCats at 602-287-8824.
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