We are so fortunate to have the support of the people and businesses in our community and of our many adopters. Each time we put out a call on Facebook for laundry and cleaning supplies or dog or cat food, we receive packages from Chewy, Walmart or Amazon as well as generous people driving up to our shelter with needed supplies.
Throughout the year schools, local banks and businesses often organize collections for AFOBC. We have even had children ask their friends for gifts for the shelter instead of birthday gifts for themselves. Their wise parents are certainly raising them with a love for animals.
We are forever grateful to the people who organize fundraisers for us every year. We would like to thank Nathan and Gina Riccio who dedicate the income from the “Lowered on the Lawn” car show to our shelter every year. Lisa Weese of Mountaineer Running Company organized a Dog Jog/Cat Walk event this year, which we hope to make an annual tradition. This was also the first year for “Barktober Fest” at 17 North in Philippi. We thank Rod and Tammy Stemple and Jodie Nelson for their help and Tiffani Green and Full Cirkle for musical entertainment. Freedom Bank, the Barbour Democrat, the Intermountain, PetSmart in Uniontown and the County Commission, have been loyal friends.
This will be the 6th year for Trunk or Treat at Audra Park, organized by Brittany Haddix and family. This is a fun event, with a Pumpkin Court and costume judging contest. And we should mention the Duck Race on the Tygart which was planned by the Belington Revitalization Committee and will hopefully take place if the river ever rises.
The monumental cost of maintaining an animal shelter with up to 60 dogs and four or five times as many cats is often daunting. We certainly couldn’t do it without our paid workers, our volunteers at the shelter and the Attic, and our wonderful community. For this we are forever grateful.