By Lorraine Bradley

Contributing Columnist

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“Bow Wow” and “Meow” again to all the pet caretakers in Newberry County. The Newberry County Humane Society would like to acknowledge the Newberry County Animal Shelter, not just for their constant care and devotion to all the animals they come in contact with, but also their “outreach” programs, such as involving some of the local schools.

The Shelter billboard is due to be reconstructed, and they have put a little competition in place among the following schools: Whitmire, Newberry Academy and Mid-Carolina. We are looking forward to their response and their talents, when illustrated on Wilson Road in the near future.

If you feel like you can’t adopt, consider fostering a shelter pet, at least until a Forever Pet parent is provided. These animals are so appreciative of their “homes,” and become acclimated in a short time. It just takes patience, understanding and lots of love. Contact us or the Newberry Animal Shelter for more information.

We will be set up, along with the Animal Shelter on Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Farmers Market in downtown Newberry. Precious pets will be on display for adoption and we will be offering our baked goods and T-shirts. Hope you will stop by and see us and the shelter animals.

Our annual Christmas party will be held Dec. 14 at Roma’s in Prosperity. This is always a fun event and we honor the Shelter staff (and their spouses) with this celebration, in addition to installing our officers for 2016.

Looking to 2016, there is a big fundraiser in the planning stages to benefit National Spay/Neuter Day and our local shelter. Our society is constantly promoting spay/neuter and offer assistance to any Newberry County resident who falls under financial difficulty.

Spay/Neuter is so very important to our animals, as it reduces the unwanted puppies and kittens, helps both male and female animals health-wise and socially. This is a requirement when adopting from the Newberry Animal Shelter and provided at a very low cost. Be watching for additional news near the end of the year and consider sponsoring or donating to this worthwhile cause.

The Newberry County Humane Society is always looking for new members or guests to bring in new ideas and help with our ongoing projects. If you are familiar with therapy dogs/cats or offer obedience classes or would like to help with pet owners needing animal-proof yards, or in contact with rescue groups, especially for cats or kittens, we hope you will consider coming to one of our meetings.

Visit our Facebook page Newberry County Humane Society of SC or contact us at nchs29108@yahoo.com or 803-413-5206. We meet the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Springfield Place Chapel in Newberry.

We are proud of all our members and their devotion to animal welfare and look forward to some new faces and ideas to aid the wonderful animals of Newberry County.

Lorraine Bradley is the president of the Newberry County Humane Society.