![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.thevwindependent.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/VW-County-Humane-Shelter-bld.-7-2014.jpg\")
<\/a>As part of shelter improvements, the board is getting security cameras installed, has purchased new weight scales, purchased and installed new sewer line material, and purchased new cat cages (and cat hammocks, thanks to a anonymous donation to the shelter) and new\/replacement dog beds for the kennels to keep dogs more comfortable by keeping them off the concrete.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are trying to get the shelter equipped with the essentials for the animals\u2019 comfort and safety,\u201d said Humane Society Board President Pete Weir, who noted that the 10-member board is getting stronger and more cohesive with each bi-weekly meeting.<\/p>\n
Others serving on the board include Brenda Hoffman, vice president; Mark McCleery, treasurer; Kari Kuhn, secretary; and board members Dr. Tom Wilkin, Carole Johnston, Jean Spridgeon, Sarah Robeson, Susan McNeill and Brenda Weaver.<\/p>\n
Weir added that Averesch has been instrumental in setting up and installing a grooming and bathing area to make dogs more adoptable, installing a donated washer and dryer (to wash \u201ccomfort towels\u201d for the dogs and cats), and has also been busy installing beds in the dog kennels. Lee\u2019s Ace Hardware donated paint and Van Wert Fire Equipment Company provided a first aid kit free of charge.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf that\u2019s not enough progress, we also have started our volunteer program, which is headed by board member Sarah Robeson,\u201d Weir added. Those interested in volunteering can call 419.605.7612. Volunteers have been meeting on the weekends and putting in extra hours painting the house located on the shelter property (rent proceeds from the house will go directly to fund the Humane Society shelter, and pay for walking the dogs, and transporting animals to area rescues, when necessary).<\/p>\n
\u201cThey (volunteers) are working hard and we give them all a standing ovation for their time and efforts,\u201d Weir noted.
\nThere are also a number of scheduled events and activities coming up this month, with the first event — the Easter Bone Hunt — coming at 11 a.m. this Saturday (see Easter Egg\/Bone Hunt story in the News Page archives for more details)<\/i><\/p>\n
This Sunday, April 5, the Neuter Scooter will be in Van Wert to provide area residents with an opportunity to get their cat or kitten spayed or neutered at a great price. Prices are as follows: house cats\/kittens & outdoor friendly cats\/kittens, $60 (pain medication included); feral cats\/kittens (born in the wild with no human contact and will be humanely trapped and brought in), $30, including pain medication.<\/p>\n