WVU Medicine’s Healing Hounds presented a $10,000 check to Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia to support the new 6,700 square foot animal shelter planned for construction in Morgantown. Animal Friends revealed the plans for its replacement sanctuary and shelter in August at its annual Dog Day at the Pool.
“Our therapy dogs want to ensure their fellow hounds, cats, and other animals in distress and in need of love and support have a safe and caring environment as they transition to their forever homes,” Anthony Condia, chief marketing and communications officer of the WVU Health System, said.
“Our therapy dogs are indispensable members of our care team, and the unconditional love they show our patients every day compelled us to make this gift knowing that there are so many abused, unwanted, and abandoned animals in need.”
WVU Medicine Healing Hounds is the name of WVU Medicine’s therapy dog program. Anchored to the WVU Health System’s main medical campus, J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital, WVU Medicine Healing Hounds has 17 therapy dogs whose handlers are volunteers associated with WVU Hospitals Volunteer Services and Friends of WVU Hospitals.
Animal Friends, a community-based not-for-profit animal shelter, works primarily to place homeless dogs and cats with area residents. The organization aims to do right by these animals of misfortune.
“Animal Friends is deeply honored to accept such a generous gift from the WVU Medicine Healing Hounds,” Kelley Owens, D.V.M., Board chair of Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia, said. “It is truly heartwarming that these amazing therapy dogs are extending their kindness to help animals less fortunate than themselves.”
A new and expanded shelter will be better equipped to care for displaced animals and will include five dog rooms, a senior dog area, a dog playroom and training center, two adult cat and three kitten rooms, two nursery rooms, an isolation room for sick animals, a grooming room and intake room, food storage and prep rooms, spaces for shelter staff, and a lobby.
“This donation also comes at a crucial time as we work toward creating a better facility to continue our mission of saving animals from euthanasia,” Dr. Owens continued. “With this support, we can provide them with a safe space to heal both physically and emotionally, thus giving them a second chance at life. Thank you, WVU Medicine Healing Hounds, for your compassion and generosity. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of these animals.”
Animal Friends has saved more than 8,800 animals from unwarranted euthanasia and provided them with the opportunity of a better life in a forever home. The group has operated out of its current sanctuary and shelter on Brewer Road in Morgantown for 25 years.
The shelter provides each animal with routine and emergent vet care while they are healing, learning, and waiting for their new families to bring them home. All of its animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, given monthly flea and tick prevention, and are tested for tick borne diseases, heartworm, FIV, and FELV. Any other illnesses, diseases, or injuries are treated properly by local veterinarians to help get these furry friends back to living a happy life.
Animal Friends works closely with local animal control facilities to rescue unclaimed strays, owner surrenders, and humane cases. This creates more space for other incoming animals and reduces the risk of unwarranted euthanasia. The organization has also assisted many families secure a safe spot for animals that become homeless due to their owner being placed into assisted living facilities.
The organization has partnered with local domestic violence centers to provide a safe haven for animals while their owners seek safety themselves from unfortunate circumstances. Animal Friends also offers spay and neuter assistance to families with limited financial resources to help reduce the number of unwanted animals and help families keep their animals.
Those wishing to donate in support of the new shelter can do so by visiting the Animal Friends website at AnimalFriendsWV.org. Donations can also be made to the shelter through Venmo @AFNCWV, or by cash or check mailed to P.O. Box 1090, Dellslow, W.Va., 26531. Donations can also be delivered to the shelter or its Thrift Shoppe at the Mountaineer Mall.
