Humane Society

On March 24, Gordon's Grocery held a wine tasting to benefit the Humane Society of Washington County. The event raised cash donations totaling more than $350. Food, litter, toys and blankets also were collected. Gordon's Grocery is at 101 Cypress St. in Hagerstown. The event was hosted by John Gordon and his sister, Cynthia Millsap, in collaboration with Shawn Clopper of Monumental Fine Wines.  “We love being in a position to help the Humane Society of Washington County,” Gordon said.

The Humane Society of Washington County seized two horses Friday from a farm at 8428 Sharpsburg Pike near Hagerstown, Humane Society spokeswoman Katherine Cooker said. The horses were taken because of failure to provide proper veterinary care, Cooker said. They are owned by Jim Burns of 326 Summit Ave. in Hagerstown, she said. They were taken to Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Lisbon, Md., Cooker said. "They are up, but the fact that we took them means they're not great," she said of their condition Friday.

With kitten and puppy litter season in full swing, the Humane Society of Washington County is experiencing shortages of supplies and is asking the public for its assistance. Needed are Pedigree Small Crunch Bites adult dog food, Purina Kitten Chow and Yesterday's News cat litter, animal shelter officials said Take the items to the shelter at 13011 Maugansville Road in Hagerstown.   For more information, 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.

For the second year in a row, the Washington County Branches of Susquehanna held a three-week pet supply fund drive for the Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC).  On May 7, branch managers and representatives presented the donation to the HSWC's Katherine Cooker, manager of Development & Community Relations, and Ben Cross, events coordinator. Participating branches were Boonsboro, Dual Highway/Hagerstown Financial Center, Paramount, Eastern Boulevard, Fountain Head, Salem Avenue, Halfway, Frederick Street and Valley Mall.

This year's New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge raised about $8,300 for the Humane Society of Washington County, spokeswoman Katherine Cooker said Tuesday. That tops last year's total of $7,511, she said. "I'm just delighted with the amount raised and with the turnout," Cooker said. "It's just so heartwarming to see the community support us so readily, and on a day when a lot of people would rather stay home and have pancakes and sausages. " The money raised will go to support animal care expenses and programs such as the Humane Society's spay and neuter and humane education programs, she said.

The Humane Society of Washington County recently received $600 from Hempen Hill BBQ Bar & Grill's third annual "Wake and Bake. " The money was raised from restaurant guests who purchased raffle tickets to win a variety of items. The event featured live music, breakfast and lunch buffets, giveaways and more. More than 125 people attended this year's event. Featured bands included The Hello Strangers, ToneHounds and BringBackAll. Hempen Hill BBQ Bar & Grill is at 13208 Fountain Head Plaza in Hagerstown.

He wasn't wearing a red suit with black boots and didn't have a white beard, but local sixth-grader Ryan Shank sure had the giving spirit when he stopped by the Humane Society of Washington County on Dec. 28. That day, he brought a donation of $15 to help the animals in need at the shelter. "Ryan received the money as a Christmas gift," said Pamela, his mother.  "All on his own, he said he wanted to donate the money to the humane society. So here we are. "  Ryan handed the money to the customer service representatives at the shelter.

Throttles Bar and Grill, at 236 Cumberland St. in Clear Spring, will hold its fourth annual Michelle Younker Memorial Ride Saturday to benefit the Humane Society of Washington County. The motorcycle ride is being held by Wanda and Sam Mills of Throttles in honor of their friend Michelle Younker who died in August 2005. "Michelle never had kids. She had two or three Great Danes all the time and just loved her dogs," Sam Mills said. "We wanted to do something in her honor, and we think holding this ride to benefit the shelter is something she would have liked.

Throttles Bar and Grill, at 236 Cumberland St. in Clear Spring, held the fourth annual Michelle Younker Memorial Ride to benefit the Humane Society of Washington County in October 2011. On  July 30, the proceeds from the ride, $672, were presented to the humane society. The ride was rescheduled due to inclement weather but when riders took to their bikes to honor the memory of Younker the event was a great success.  “It took me longer than I wanted it to to bring the money to you,” said Bruce Mills, co-owner of Throttles.  “But I am glad we could do this again for Michelle.”  Wanda and Sam Mills, owners of Throttles, established the ride in honor of their friend Younker and her love for her Great Danes.

When Vince Mussolino's family celebrated his 80th birthday, they used the occasion to honor his passion for animals by asking partygoers to bring items for the homeless pets at the Humane Society of Washington County.  On Oct. 19, Mussolino presented the animal-related items to the animal shelter. More than 100 people attended the Sept. 22 surprise birthday party at the Marlowe Ruritan Club in Falling Waters, W.Va.  The attendees brought a variety of animal-related items, which were donated by Mussolino.   “We knew that asking for donations for the humane society was a great way of honoring our father during this celebration,” said Tina Martin, Mussolino's daughter.