A national pit bull organization has recognized the Washington- Wilkes Animal Shelter director for her tireless work saving the dozen dogs seized in dog-fighting arrests this year, even while the shelter struggles to feed and house an everincreasing number of animals.

Partners in Shelter Services presented Director Gloria Wheatley their 2009 "Compassion for Georgia Victims of Dog Fighting" award for her work with a large group of pit bulls seized in raids on a dog-fighting ring in Washington in March.

"Gloria opened up her entire life - her home, her heart, her family - to the dogs in her care and used every available resource to ensure that she was giving the dogs her very best," said Partners' Executive Director Donna Reynolds. "She truly is an inspiration!"

In awarding the prize, Reynolds said that Wheatley worked steadily to provide care and enrichment for the pit bulls seized in Washington. "She worked closely with various agencies, both national and local, to ensure the dogs were released to rescue organizations, and she sought out rescue transport to help ferry them to new lives across the country. Many of the dogs that Gloria cared for knew of life only on a chain, so the enrichment and compassion she offered during their time at Washington-Wilkes Humane Society prepared them for the real world once they were able to leave."

As a token of their appreciation, Partners in Shelter Services awarded the shelter $1,000 to be used toward the care of pit bulls in the shelter.

The shelter is still recovering from a theft of donated dog food in September. Wheatley said that the shelter has dealt with good situations and bad situations in its 20 years, but that the theft of the dog food has been an emotional and financial blow to shelter staff. "It's a constant struggle financially, trying to hold expenses to a minimum and at the same time take care of the animals, and the ever-increasing number of animals brought to the shelter," Wheatley said. "The recognition and donations from groups like Partners in Shelter Services help more than I can say."

Contributions of food and money are still greatly needed. The shelter is located on Brown Road, just off Lexington Road (Highway 78). Monetary contributions may be sent to P.O. Box 352, Washington 30673.