Many Wilkes Humane Shelter dogs have happy futures
By GLORIA WHEATLEY Manager, W-W Animal Shelter

Several months ago one of the Shelter puppies was taken from the Shelter. I promised an update on the return of this puppy that we named "Treasure."

There is a very happy ending, or maybe a new beginning, for her. Every year for the past six years our animals have been altered by the University of Georgia (UGA) Junior Surgery Class of the UGA Veterinary Hospital in Athens. This year as before, 96 animals were altered. At today's cost that adds up to about $10,808, and this was done at no charge to us.

We are very fortunate to be able to participate in this program. We are at present the only Rescue organization being offered this opportunity. The students take wonderful care of our animals, sometimes even sitting up with them through the night if there is a problem with the surgery.

Donations of medicine for these animals are always forthcoming and we are very happy this year that nine of our animals were adopted by the students who did the surgery. The surgery is done in teams of three: a lead surgeon, assistant surgeon, and anesthetist.

Getting back to Treasure. She was one selected by Shelter staff for spaying. She was one of the ones adopted. She has skin issues and is currently being treated by her new owner/friend. I spoke with her new owner last Friday and she is doing well. We only wish that every one of our animals could have such a happy ending. Sadly they do not.

Want to sponsor a pet? Call the Shelter at 706-678-2287 for information.

I am also very happy to report that one of our very special Beagles -- "Aiken" -- was adopted by Lizzie Newsome, one of our own Washington Wilkes veterinary students at UGA. Lizzie is one of our favorite vet students. She adopted Aiken for her grandparents!

When she saw him at neuter day at the Vet School, she decided her Granddad needed him for his birthday. I cautioned her by saying, "They are going to get you and then they are coming after me," (jokingly of course.) Our policy is that we always take our pets back if they don't work out. Aiken is not back yet and at last report he's fine. Thanks to Miss Jane and Mr. Smythe for being so patient. Beagles are special. Just ask Cindy Bounds. They also have one of our Beagles.

We are all very happy that we were able to assist in the recovery of the two pets from the wreck at the golf course. The call went out from the Georgia State Patrol to Bonnie Branch. Bonnie's husband Del is a trooper and everyone of the troopers knows that if they have a problem with an animal, call Bonnie, and Bonnie will contact the necessary person or resources to get things rolling.

From the moment she got the word that the dogs were lost she was out tromping through the woods and covering the golf course searching for the two. She called the Shelter, as she often does to get the word out of lost dog, dog in need, or "Can I please bring this dog/cat in?"

Calls were made. One was made to Cindy and Lincoln Bounds to be on the lookout for the missing two. Lincoln made a special trip out the next morning and luckily found them, loaded them in the truck, and met Bonnie who in turn met the husband to retrieve his dogs.

The husband was on his way back to Wilkes County to look for his dogs after his wife came out of surgery and he was sure she was okay. Her first words when she saw him were, "Where are my babies?" Bonnie and Del's daughter Grace Ann also assisted in the search, along with Margaret Rae Evans.

We do want to thank all of the Georgia State Troopers for all they do to help. They have picked up numerous dogs that have been hit by a car and gotten them to the Vet or the Shelter. They are a very caring group of men and we certainly appreciate this.

Also, thanks to everyone for their continued support of the Shelter. We could not get through the day without caring people who support us in our daily tasks.