This past week, a dear friend of mine named Hilda Brody, passed away.  She was a great animal lover and helped to found the Animal Protection Society of Caswell County, the county seat of which is Yanceyville, North Carolina. Throughout her life, she gave generously of herself–often taking in cats, dogs, and even horses–because she valued the lives of animals and knew the gift of love and loyalty that animals give us, as humans, in return.

The APS of Caswell County, like so many animal shelters across the South, struggles to stay afloat. In counties racked by rural poverty, local governments are less likely to support the efforts of organizations devoted to animals rather than human beings.That means that much of the work to maintain the shelter is left to volunteers or individuals who work for pennies on the dollar. Their budgets are often stretched thin and the need for both money and supplies is constant.

So many of us out there know the joy and love that our pets bring to us each and every day.  So, why not honor them by assisting another dog, cat, or the other animals that shelters care for?

What can you do to help?  Be a good neighbor and support your local animal shelter.

If you have some money to spare, consider making a donation to support the many things a shelter does (including spaying and neutering).

And if you don’t have much, consider donating old blankets, towels, newspapers, old placemats, gently used toys, leashes, collars, litter, or grooming items.  Check here for Top Things to Donate to an animal shelter.

And when you are ready to offer an animal “forever home,” consider adopting from your local shelter.  You’ll be glad you did.

On behalf of my shelter-adopted pets, we thank you.