Pets in Need Society Year in Review - 2015
Pets in Need Society (PINS)
2015 Annual Review
Nancy Allen, President
PINS History
Pets In Need Society (PINS) is a total volunteer organization in Meade County Kentucky that was started in January 2000. At its inception, a small group of caring and compassionate people met to address the deplorable conditions at the Meade County Animal Shelter. Led by founding President, Karen Kennedy, and Vice President, Deb Sobel, the group quickly organized and planned for a major renovation of the shelter. As word of the group's efforts spread throughout the community, so did the financial and moral support of the private citizens and local businesses. By November 2001, PINS volunteers and supporters had transformed the once neglected, disease ridden dog pound into a functional, clean and healthy animal shelter where residents can recover lost pets or adopt new ones. It took hundreds of hours of volunteer labor and $55,000 of donated funds and materials for the shelter to become a respectable facility for Meade County residents.
As the organization grew, its mission expanded. In 2006, PINS members began working with local county officials to create a comprehensive, enforceable animal care and control ordinance that would establish minimum acceptable standards of care for all animals in Meade County, and prescribe harsh penalties for animal cruelty, neglect or abuse. The ordinance was passed in April 2007.
The Meade County Chamber of Commerce recognized the hard work of PINS by awarding it the Meade County Chamber of Commerce 2008 Community Achievement Award, on April 2, 2008. The award was presented by the guest of honor, Kentucky Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo to PINS representatives, President Liz Bell and vice president, Jennifer Marshall. This award is presented annually in recognition of exceptional volunteer service to the life and welfare of the community.
In July of 2009 Orscheln Home & Farm Store offered PINS the opportunity to show Meade County Shelter animals in the store for adoption. Member and Animal Rescue and Transporter Connie Mullins sprang to the call. She quickly organized transport and volunteers to show and adopt animals at Orscheln. Her efforts resulted in the adoption of over 150 animals in just 6 months.
PINS has become one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Meade County. PINS goal is simple – increase public awareness of animal welfare issues in our communities and reduce the number of unwanted animals entering our local animal shelter. This is being accomplished through an aggressive spay/neuter assistance program coupled with a very effective humane education program. In 2001, PINS worked closely with the Meade County Veterinary Service and the Midway Veterinary Clinic to start a low cost spay and neuter program for county dogs and cats. PINS also has an active education program. It utilizes this program to reach out to the community and teach responsible pet ownership and pet care. The programs are demonstrated in the local schools and various community events. Some of these events include the annual Pet festival with blessing of the animals, farm and home safety day, elementary classroom presentations, and Public Library Story time. We will present our message whenever and wherever we are invited to include 4H groups, classrooms, civic organizations, festivals, and TV and radio programs. We are the human voices for the animals in Meade County.
2015 Review
Spay Neuter Program
In 2015 PINS provided funding for 519 animals, at a cost of over $18,000.00 paid to veterinaries. This is the first year we have not met our goal of assisting over 600 animals.
Shelter Support
PINS could not be as effective as they are without the cooperation of the county animal control officer, Jasper Hardesty, his assistant Allen Childress and the Meade County Judge Executive Gerry Lynn. Over the years, PINS has assisted the animal control officers in various ways. With the help of Peggy Miller, a friend of mine, the mural on the exterior wall of the shelter has come a long way. While it is not yet finished, the animals who were adopted by people in our community are featured in the mural and it is looking much better.
Adoption Days
This year has been a bit trying for the people who have volunteered to assist with the adoptions at Orscheln Farm and Home Store in Radcliff. There has been a turnover in volunteers. Connie Mullins retired after many long years of handling the adoptions. Deanna Newell helped us for the first seven months. Now Monika Ward is handling the adoption days, and has had much success.
Monika also took several shelter dogs to Mike Linning’s Restaurant this summer for a special event there. All the dogs she took were adopted.
After an incident at Orscheln where one of the volunteers was bitten by a shelter dog, it was decided that all dogs coming from the shelter to Orscheln for adoption will have to be vaccinated for rabies prior to being taken there. This has worked out quite well with the help of Jasper Hardesty and Allan Childress, who make sure the vaccinations are done.
Fundraising & Events
A number of events took place during the year. In February, PINS members decorated the Meade County Public Library’s display cases and front lobby with numerous dog and cat-related items. Kroger generously donated a large stuffed dog to be given away at the end of the month. Information about PINS was available for everyone coming to the library.
March was a chilly month, but the Easter Bone Hunt was held in spite of a completely flooded Riverfront Park. The Easter Bone Hunt, was quite a hit with the people who came and enjoyed finding Easter eggs with their dogs. Some Easter eggs contained prizes donated by a number of businesses in the community, while others had a dog bone. Photos with the Easter bunny were taken by member Patricia Pandoff. There were also opportunities to decorate a paper plate with the dogs’ paw prints done in finger paints. A number of dogs came in costume, and prizes were awarded to the best dressed dogs as well as other prizes for the largest dog, the smallest dog, and the oldest dog. The Blessing of the Pets was supposed to be held in conjunction with the Easter Bone Hunt, but due to a communication problem, as well as a change of location from the Riverfront Park to Meade-Olin Park, we were unable to have the Blessing of the Pets.
April’s event was our semi-annual yard sale, which was (as always) a success, bringing in over $700.00. A number of PINS members came out to help with set-up as well as taking everything down and storing it in the two sheds by the Creature Comfort Inn.
Three events were held in May – the Belk’s Charity Sale on May 2nd from 6am to 10am. Mary and Nancy attended this event, which brought PINS $94.30. The second event was the Kroger Bag-Off on May 23rd. Several members participated in the event, bagging groceries from 11am to 4pm. PINS was rewarded for our hard work with nearly $400.00 in tips from customers. The third event was at Dairy Queen on May 26th from 5pm to 8pm. A portion of the sales during those hours was donated to PINS, giving us almost $110.00. In addition, our regularly scheduled meeting was held at the Riverfront Park. Hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled, and members were encouraged to bring a dish.
June brought Rumble by the River, and another opportunity for PINS to participate. Members set up a booth, and raffled off an Independence Day wreath. Candles were available for sale, and informational brochures were handed out. Another Independence Day wreath was taken to WMMG Radio for their auction. PINS was given $35 in advertising air time after the wreath was auctioned off.
July's event was the Pool Party for the Pups. Unfortunately, the turnout for this event was not as great as anticipated. However, those in attendance had a wonderful time, and several of the dogs truly enjoyed a dip in the pools provided by David and Marylynne Kitson. Again, participants were urged to bring their dogs in their best costumes – bathing suits for the girls and Hawaiian shirts for the boys. Prizes were awarded for all the participants.
September’s meeting was held at the Riverfront Park with pizza brought in for everyone. The weather was beautiful, and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to be outside.
October 10th brought the fall yard sale. Member turnout was light for helping with the set-up. A HUGE “thank you” to David Kitson for taking charge and doing a great job. The yard sale brought in close to $575.00.
Officers and Volunteers
Officers for 2015 were President Nancy Allen, Vice-president David Kitson, Secretary Liz Bell and Treasurer Mary VanDeWeghe. The Board of Directors were Connie Mullins, Leslie Humphrey and Ellen Allgor. Membership was tracked by Mary VanDeWeghe, and Humane Education was done by Liz Bell and Connie Mullins. One other volunteer, but most important position is that of the person who returns the calls on our PINS phone line, Doris Reesor. She returns more than 100 phone inquires each month and issues the PINS’ spay and neuter vouchers.
We have an eager group of elected volunteers ready to lead the Pets In Need Society in 2015.
Membership and Meetings
PINS currently has over 100 animal loving, motivated and energetic volunteers. Meetings are held the 4th Monday of every month at Home Plate Restaurant, Brandenburg, KY 40108. Meetings start promptly at 7 pm. Many members come around 6:00pm and have supper prior to the meeting. We encourage all members of PINS to attend the meetings, and invite the community to come out and see what we are all about. Dues this year are $5 a year for individuals, and $10 for a business member. Memberships expire in March and if you join now, your membership will be good until March of 2016. Join us and help make a difference in Meade County.
For more information, email us President@petsinneedsociety.org, visit our website www.petsinneedsociety.org, or call the PINS voicemail at 270-422-3838.
It has been my pleasure serving this year as President of PINS. It has also been very challenging at times, but extremely rewarding at the same time. I look forward to helping in any way possible in 2016. My experiences will definitely help me get a similar organization started once I have settled into our new home in Ecuador. Everyone will be sorely missed!
2015 Annual Review
Nancy Allen, President
PINS History
Pets In Need Society (PINS) is a total volunteer organization in Meade County Kentucky that was started in January 2000. At its inception, a small group of caring and compassionate people met to address the deplorable conditions at the Meade County Animal Shelter. Led by founding President, Karen Kennedy, and Vice President, Deb Sobel, the group quickly organized and planned for a major renovation of the shelter. As word of the group's efforts spread throughout the community, so did the financial and moral support of the private citizens and local businesses. By November 2001, PINS volunteers and supporters had transformed the once neglected, disease ridden dog pound into a functional, clean and healthy animal shelter where residents can recover lost pets or adopt new ones. It took hundreds of hours of volunteer labor and $55,000 of donated funds and materials for the shelter to become a respectable facility for Meade County residents.
As the organization grew, its mission expanded. In 2006, PINS members began working with local county officials to create a comprehensive, enforceable animal care and control ordinance that would establish minimum acceptable standards of care for all animals in Meade County, and prescribe harsh penalties for animal cruelty, neglect or abuse. The ordinance was passed in April 2007.
The Meade County Chamber of Commerce recognized the hard work of PINS by awarding it the Meade County Chamber of Commerce 2008 Community Achievement Award, on April 2, 2008. The award was presented by the guest of honor, Kentucky Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo to PINS representatives, President Liz Bell and vice president, Jennifer Marshall. This award is presented annually in recognition of exceptional volunteer service to the life and welfare of the community.
In July of 2009 Orscheln Home & Farm Store offered PINS the opportunity to show Meade County Shelter animals in the store for adoption. Member and Animal Rescue and Transporter Connie Mullins sprang to the call. She quickly organized transport and volunteers to show and adopt animals at Orscheln. Her efforts resulted in the adoption of over 150 animals in just 6 months.
PINS has become one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Meade County. PINS goal is simple – increase public awareness of animal welfare issues in our communities and reduce the number of unwanted animals entering our local animal shelter. This is being accomplished through an aggressive spay/neuter assistance program coupled with a very effective humane education program. In 2001, PINS worked closely with the Meade County Veterinary Service and the Midway Veterinary Clinic to start a low cost spay and neuter program for county dogs and cats. PINS also has an active education program. It utilizes this program to reach out to the community and teach responsible pet ownership and pet care. The programs are demonstrated in the local schools and various community events. Some of these events include the annual Pet festival with blessing of the animals, farm and home safety day, elementary classroom presentations, and Public Library Story time. We will present our message whenever and wherever we are invited to include 4H groups, classrooms, civic organizations, festivals, and TV and radio programs. We are the human voices for the animals in Meade County.
2015 Review
Spay Neuter Program
In 2015 PINS provided funding for 519 animals, at a cost of over $18,000.00 paid to veterinaries. This is the first year we have not met our goal of assisting over 600 animals.
Shelter Support
PINS could not be as effective as they are without the cooperation of the county animal control officer, Jasper Hardesty, his assistant Allen Childress and the Meade County Judge Executive Gerry Lynn. Over the years, PINS has assisted the animal control officers in various ways. With the help of Peggy Miller, a friend of mine, the mural on the exterior wall of the shelter has come a long way. While it is not yet finished, the animals who were adopted by people in our community are featured in the mural and it is looking much better.
Adoption Days
This year has been a bit trying for the people who have volunteered to assist with the adoptions at Orscheln Farm and Home Store in Radcliff. There has been a turnover in volunteers. Connie Mullins retired after many long years of handling the adoptions. Deanna Newell helped us for the first seven months. Now Monika Ward is handling the adoption days, and has had much success.
Monika also took several shelter dogs to Mike Linning’s Restaurant this summer for a special event there. All the dogs she took were adopted.
After an incident at Orscheln where one of the volunteers was bitten by a shelter dog, it was decided that all dogs coming from the shelter to Orscheln for adoption will have to be vaccinated for rabies prior to being taken there. This has worked out quite well with the help of Jasper Hardesty and Allan Childress, who make sure the vaccinations are done.
Fundraising & Events
A number of events took place during the year. In February, PINS members decorated the Meade County Public Library’s display cases and front lobby with numerous dog and cat-related items. Kroger generously donated a large stuffed dog to be given away at the end of the month. Information about PINS was available for everyone coming to the library.
March was a chilly month, but the Easter Bone Hunt was held in spite of a completely flooded Riverfront Park. The Easter Bone Hunt, was quite a hit with the people who came and enjoyed finding Easter eggs with their dogs. Some Easter eggs contained prizes donated by a number of businesses in the community, while others had a dog bone. Photos with the Easter bunny were taken by member Patricia Pandoff. There were also opportunities to decorate a paper plate with the dogs’ paw prints done in finger paints. A number of dogs came in costume, and prizes were awarded to the best dressed dogs as well as other prizes for the largest dog, the smallest dog, and the oldest dog. The Blessing of the Pets was supposed to be held in conjunction with the Easter Bone Hunt, but due to a communication problem, as well as a change of location from the Riverfront Park to Meade-Olin Park, we were unable to have the Blessing of the Pets.
April’s event was our semi-annual yard sale, which was (as always) a success, bringing in over $700.00. A number of PINS members came out to help with set-up as well as taking everything down and storing it in the two sheds by the Creature Comfort Inn.
Three events were held in May – the Belk’s Charity Sale on May 2nd from 6am to 10am. Mary and Nancy attended this event, which brought PINS $94.30. The second event was the Kroger Bag-Off on May 23rd. Several members participated in the event, bagging groceries from 11am to 4pm. PINS was rewarded for our hard work with nearly $400.00 in tips from customers. The third event was at Dairy Queen on May 26th from 5pm to 8pm. A portion of the sales during those hours was donated to PINS, giving us almost $110.00. In addition, our regularly scheduled meeting was held at the Riverfront Park. Hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled, and members were encouraged to bring a dish.
June brought Rumble by the River, and another opportunity for PINS to participate. Members set up a booth, and raffled off an Independence Day wreath. Candles were available for sale, and informational brochures were handed out. Another Independence Day wreath was taken to WMMG Radio for their auction. PINS was given $35 in advertising air time after the wreath was auctioned off.
July's event was the Pool Party for the Pups. Unfortunately, the turnout for this event was not as great as anticipated. However, those in attendance had a wonderful time, and several of the dogs truly enjoyed a dip in the pools provided by David and Marylynne Kitson. Again, participants were urged to bring their dogs in their best costumes – bathing suits for the girls and Hawaiian shirts for the boys. Prizes were awarded for all the participants.
September’s meeting was held at the Riverfront Park with pizza brought in for everyone. The weather was beautiful, and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to be outside.
October 10th brought the fall yard sale. Member turnout was light for helping with the set-up. A HUGE “thank you” to David Kitson for taking charge and doing a great job. The yard sale brought in close to $575.00.
Officers and Volunteers
Officers for 2015 were President Nancy Allen, Vice-president David Kitson, Secretary Liz Bell and Treasurer Mary VanDeWeghe. The Board of Directors were Connie Mullins, Leslie Humphrey and Ellen Allgor. Membership was tracked by Mary VanDeWeghe, and Humane Education was done by Liz Bell and Connie Mullins. One other volunteer, but most important position is that of the person who returns the calls on our PINS phone line, Doris Reesor. She returns more than 100 phone inquires each month and issues the PINS’ spay and neuter vouchers.
We have an eager group of elected volunteers ready to lead the Pets In Need Society in 2015.
Membership and Meetings
PINS currently has over 100 animal loving, motivated and energetic volunteers. Meetings are held the 4th Monday of every month at Home Plate Restaurant, Brandenburg, KY 40108. Meetings start promptly at 7 pm. Many members come around 6:00pm and have supper prior to the meeting. We encourage all members of PINS to attend the meetings, and invite the community to come out and see what we are all about. Dues this year are $5 a year for individuals, and $10 for a business member. Memberships expire in March and if you join now, your membership will be good until March of 2016. Join us and help make a difference in Meade County.
For more information, email us President@petsinneedsociety.org, visit our website www.petsinneedsociety.org, or call the PINS voicemail at 270-422-3838.
It has been my pleasure serving this year as President of PINS. It has also been very challenging at times, but extremely rewarding at the same time. I look forward to helping in any way possible in 2016. My experiences will definitely help me get a similar organization started once I have settled into our new home in Ecuador. Everyone will be sorely missed!
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