Animal Shelter

Due to an increased intake of cats, kittens and dogs, the Humane Society of Washington County is once again experiencing a shortage of supplies and is asking the public for assistance. The shelter is in need of Yesterday’s News cat litter and Pedigree adult dog chow. A marked increase in the number of pets brought to the shelter has resulted in the shortages. From June 1 to date, the shelter has received 596 animals, 91 more animals than the same period last month. Anyone wishing to donate supplies is welcome to take them to the shelter at 13011 Maugansville Road in Hagerstown.

Dogs and cats brought into the Berkeley County Humane Society often stay for months waiting to be adopted, but from now on they will enjoy modern, comfortable surroundings. The humane society on Sunday dedicated its newly renovated facility at 554 Charles Town Road, a two-year project that cost upwards of $500,000, said Shari Persad, president of the agency’s board of directors. After the ribbon cutting, about 50 guests and visitors toured the building. Key features are the $180,000 Evelyn Kilmer Spay-Neuter Clinic and the new $167,000 Alfred McKittrick dog kennnel.

The Meadows Original Frozen Custard of Hagerstown's fourth annual 50s-Style Freeze fundraiser Aug. 21 was a success, officials said. A percentage of sales and donations were collected for the Humane Society of Washington County. With adoptable animals on-site, two were taken and both now have applications on them. Approximately 150 to 200 customers participated in the event and between $200 and $250 was raised for the animal shelter. Approximately 40 animals from the community came to the event.

The Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter will hold “Howl to Heal,” a dog walk in memory of John Hepfer Jr., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at Hawthorne Arena at Wilson College. Participants are asked to get sponsors to raise money for the shelter's Second Chance Fund for animals who need special attention or vet care. Hepfer was an employee and volunteer at the shelter who passed away unexpectedly last year. Individuals may participate for a $5 registration fee or groups can walk for $20 registration.

The ninth annual Pooch Plunge Aug. 22 at Claude M. Potterfield Pool in Hagerstown raised $650 for the Humane Society of Washington County. The event, hosted by the humane society and the city of Hagerstown's Parks and Recreation Department, drew 90 dogs and 125 handlers. “This event enhances the human canine bond while also helping raise funds for homeless and at risk animals in Washington County,” said Paul Miller, executive director of the shelter. Sandra Smith from Spring Mills Veterinary Hospital in Martinsburg, W.Va., was in attendance for the duration of the event.  “This is always such an enjoyable evening,” she said.

On Feb. 18, Jordan Row, president of the student council at Rockland Woods Elementary School, and members of the student council presented the Humane Society of Washington County’s Executive Director Paul Miller with a donation of $560.   The money was the proceeds from the Pennies for Pets fundraiser the school held for the local animal shelter. School Principal Kathy Stiles smiled with pride as she talked about the project.   “They worked very hard to collect 100 pennies for the 100th day of school.

The Department of Social Services Child Support Unit recently held a collection project to benefit the Humane Society of Washington County. Employees Nicole Putman, Marcia Williams and Marilyn Eavey delivered a variety of items to the shelter. "Each month the Department of Social Services Child Support Unit chooses a charity to do a project for," Putman said. "This particular month everyone chose the Humane Society. " More than 30 employees participated in the project during May and delivered the numerous items at the end of June.

Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter is hosting its second annual golf tournament on Friday, June 14, at the Chambersburg Country Club. Registration begins at noon with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The format is a four-person scramble, but new this year will be a handicap scramble. The registration fee is $100 per golfer, which includes golf, use of a cart, range balls, a boxed lunch, beverages on the course, light hors d'oeuvres at the awards ceremony following the round and prizes. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Chambersburg-area shelter's Retire the Debt campaign.

Cat owners would be amazed at the way Gregory Popovich is able to corral his cats in his show, Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, which stops Saturday for two shows at Shippensburg University. Popovich insists that it's not a special training technique, in fact, it's the same one he uses on his dogs - nothing. "In my case, special technique is based on their natural habits," Popovich said during a telephone interview on the road in New Hampshire, his Russian accent punctuating his English.

The Elizabethtown East Chapter of Neighborhoods First will meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Rocky's Pizza next door to City Hall on North Potomac Street in Hagerstown. Singing valentines offered by chorus The Mason-Dixon Barbershop Chorus will be dressed in formal attire to sing valentines on Wednesday, Feb. 13, and Thursday Feb. 14. This is the chorus' annual fundraiser. The singing valentines cost $40, which include two love songs, a Valentine card and a remembrance gift.

The animals have settled into their new home at 5051 Letterkenny Road West, but the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter's move won't be official until the doors open at the new building on Thursday at 11 a.m. “We couldn't have made the move without a lot of volunteers,” said CVAS Director of Communications Jennifer Vanderau. The animals made the move Saturday from the former shelter at 2325 Country Road to the new, state-of-the-art facility that is at the Letterkenny Army Depot.

On Dec. 22, Gordon's Grocery held a wine tasting to benefit the Humane Society of Washington County. The event resulted in a cash donation of $244 and a large amount of food, litter, toys and blankets. Gordon's Grocery is at 101 Cypress St. in Hagerstown. Hosted by store owners John Gordon and Cynthia Millsap, the wine tasting was in collaboration with Shawn Clopper of Monument Fine Wines. The humane society is at 13011 Maugansville Road in Hagerstown. Call 301-733-2060 or go to www.hswcmd.org for information on animal-related issues, directions to the shelter and information about programs and services.

Members of the Williamsport Polar Bear Club, the board of directors and staff at the Humane Society of Washington County, and the town of Williamsport invite the community to the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1.   The event will take place at noon at the boat ramp in Williamsport. All proceeds benefit the animal shelter.  Participants will become official members of the Williamsport Polar Bear Club. Registration costs $20 per person and includes a custom-designed Polar Bear zipper pull, window decal and an official Williamsport Polar Bear Club certificate.

On Saturday, Gordon's Grocery owners John Gordon and his sister, Cynthia Milsap, will host a wine-tasting event with Monument Fine Wines from noon to 6 p.m.  Gordon's is at 101 Cypress St. in Hagerstown.  The event is a benefit for the Humane Society of Washington County. Donations of food, toys, nonclumping cat litter and other animal-related items will be collected in front of the store. “What better way to spread holiday cheer than to host a benefit for the homeless animals in Washington County,” Gordon said.

Rodney Martin, retired planetarium educator, will present “The Christmas Star” at Discovery Station on Saturday at 2 p.m. as part of its Saturday Plus program. There is no charge for the Saturday Plus presentation. There is an admission charge for the full museum tour of two floors of hands-on exhibits. The Treasure Gift Shoppe is open Tuesday through Saturday from  10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with gifts from 50 cents to $50. Annual family memberships and gift certificates are available.