Pets in Need Society Year in Review - 2012
Pets in Need Society (PINS)
2012 Annual Review
David Kitson, President
PINS History
Pets In Need Society (PINS) is a total volunteer organization in Meade County Kentucky that was started in January 2000, and its first wreath festival fundraiser was held that December. 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.
2012 Review
2012 was our 13th year as an organization. With the economy still in decline, money has been tight and charities have been asked to do more with less. In 2012 I’m happy to say PINS raised more money than it spent. This was mostly from year end grants we did not expect.
Spay Neuter Program
In 2011, the PINS Spay Neuter Program was changed to increase the cat voucher from $25 to $30 to encourage more spay and neuter of cats. Another change, effective January 15, 2011, was PINS spay/neuter vouchers may be use at any clinic that will accept the voucher. Owners must check with the clinic prior to using the voucher. PINS provided to Meade County Residents a $40 vouchers for a dog towards the spay or neuter of their pet.
In 2012 PINS provided funding for 718 animals, the most we have ever done in a year at a cost of over $25K paid to veterinaries. This is the fourth year we have exceeded our goal of assisting over 600 animals. See the report below:
2012 Annual Review
David Kitson, President
PINS History
Pets In Need Society (PINS) is a total volunteer organization in Meade County Kentucky that was started in January 2000, and its first wreath festival fundraiser was held that December. 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.
2012 Review
2012 was our 13th year as an organization. With the economy still in decline, money has been tight and charities have been asked to do more with less. In 2012 I’m happy to say PINS raised more money than it spent. This was mostly from year end grants we did not expect.
Spay Neuter Program
In 2011, the PINS Spay Neuter Program was changed to increase the cat voucher from $25 to $30 to encourage more spay and neuter of cats. Another change, effective January 15, 2011, was PINS spay/neuter vouchers may be use at any clinic that will accept the voucher. Owners must check with the clinic prior to using the voucher. PINS provided to Meade County Residents a $40 vouchers for a dog towards the spay or neuter of their pet.
In 2012 PINS provided funding for 718 animals, the most we have ever done in a year at a cost of over $25K paid to veterinaries. This is the fourth year we have exceeded our goal of assisting over 600 animals. See the report below:
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 officer various way. This year PINS received a $5,000 shelter grant. The grant was used to concrete the outside dog area, an improvement over the muddy gravel. The grant also funded 6 outdoor dog runs and repairs to the fencing for indoor kennels and improvements to the outdoor fencing.
This year Connie Mullins provided a weekly list of shelter adoptable animals to the local radio station, WMMG 93.5FM, to be announced several times a day.
Humane Education
Each year PINS presents a Dog Bite Prevention class to all Meade County 5th Graders during the School’s annual Safety Days. Pat Bowen as in the past years provided this year’s instruction and the values of having your pet fixed to prevent unwanted litters.
Adoption Days
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.
In 2012 Connie’s efforts resulted in the adoption of over 200 animals from the Meade County Animal Shelter. By the end of 2012, Connie has assisted in over 800 adoptions.
Fundraising & Events
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, PINS paid over $25,000 to have Meade County dogs and cats spayed or neutered. As PINS is a registered nonprofit organization, all expenses must be raised by the members. To meet the costs of maintaining the PINS programs, many hours are spent by the members preparing for and working at local fund raisers. We have an annual bowling tournament at Lynn’s Pins. The spring and fall yard sale helps with our fundraising and we collect items all year for this. Thanks to our members and supporters donating items, PINS earns about $800 at each yard sale. A simple way to help PINS all year long is to drop your loose change into one of our collection boxes (a miniature dog house) at 10 various local businesses. Small things add up! As you can see, PINS must work very hard to meet the budget each year.
Kroger Bagging was done once in 2012 raising over $400 and several new members joined us.
This year Connie Mullins was on the local radio station, WMMG 93.5FM Edgewise Program, to promote shelter adoption, spay neuter, current fundraising events and allowed listeners to call in with questions.
Officers & Volunteers
Officers for 2012 were President David Kitson, Vice-president Duane Cooper, Secretary Liz Bell and Treasurer Mary Beck. Board of Directors were Connie Mullins, Leslie Humphrey and Deb Sobel. Membership was tracked by Ellen Allgor 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 inquires each month and issues the spay and neuter vouchers.
We have an eager group of elected volunteers ready to lead the Pets In Need Society in 2013. Newly elected officers are President David Kitson and Vice-president Duane Cooper, Secretary Liz Bell will keep the minutes, and Mary Beck will post the treasurer books. In addition, board members will be Ellen Allgor, Leslie Humphrey and Connie Mullins.
Membership & 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 6:30 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 half price: $5 a year, $2.50 for junior members, and $12.50 for a business member. Memberships expire in March and if you join now, your membership will be good until March of 2014. 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.
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 officer various way. This year PINS received a $5,000 shelter grant. The grant was used to concrete the outside dog area, an improvement over the muddy gravel. The grant also funded 6 outdoor dog runs and repairs to the fencing for indoor kennels and improvements to the outdoor fencing.
This year Connie Mullins provided a weekly list of shelter adoptable animals to the local radio station, WMMG 93.5FM, to be announced several times a day.
Humane Education
Each year PINS presents a Dog Bite Prevention class to all Meade County 5th Graders during the School’s annual Safety Days. Pat Bowen as in the past years provided this year’s instruction and the values of having your pet fixed to prevent unwanted litters.
Adoption Days
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.
In 2012 Connie’s efforts resulted in the adoption of over 200 animals from the Meade County Animal Shelter. By the end of 2012, Connie has assisted in over 800 adoptions.
Fundraising & Events
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, PINS paid over $25,000 to have Meade County dogs and cats spayed or neutered. As PINS is a registered nonprofit organization, all expenses must be raised by the members. To meet the costs of maintaining the PINS programs, many hours are spent by the members preparing for and working at local fund raisers. We have an annual bowling tournament at Lynn’s Pins. The spring and fall yard sale helps with our fundraising and we collect items all year for this. Thanks to our members and supporters donating items, PINS earns about $800 at each yard sale. A simple way to help PINS all year long is to drop your loose change into one of our collection boxes (a miniature dog house) at 10 various local businesses. Small things add up! As you can see, PINS must work very hard to meet the budget each year.
Kroger Bagging was done once in 2012 raising over $400 and several new members joined us.
This year Connie Mullins was on the local radio station, WMMG 93.5FM Edgewise Program, to promote shelter adoption, spay neuter, current fundraising events and allowed listeners to call in with questions.
Officers & Volunteers
Officers for 2012 were President David Kitson, Vice-president Duane Cooper, Secretary Liz Bell and Treasurer Mary Beck. Board of Directors were Connie Mullins, Leslie Humphrey and Deb Sobel. Membership was tracked by Ellen Allgor 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 inquires each month and issues the spay and neuter vouchers.
We have an eager group of elected volunteers ready to lead the Pets In Need Society in 2013. Newly elected officers are President David Kitson and Vice-president Duane Cooper, Secretary Liz Bell will keep the minutes, and Mary Beck will post the treasurer books. In addition, board members will be Ellen Allgor, Leslie Humphrey and Connie Mullins.
Membership & 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 6:30 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 half price: $5 a year, $2.50 for junior members, and $12.50 for a business member. Memberships expire in March and if you join now, your membership will be good until March of 2014. 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.
