Thursday June 4, 2009, 10:51 pm
"Angie Persh knows the routine at the shelter. She's served as Director for almost a decade, caring for the 300 animals housed here. ABC 33/40 Talkback:

Persh says, "Friday will be my last day. I'm taking a voluntary lay off basically because of the money matters."

Shelly Hunt serves on the Board of Directos. She explains, "We simply do not have the money in the bank."

It's one of many cuts.

Hunts says, "We have no gas. It was cut off two weeks ago"

No gas means no hot water which is needed to clean and prevent disease. This week comes a crippling blow. The water will be turned off any day.

Hunt explains, "if we end up closing or not having water - if we can't care of the animals - the animals have to be euthanized."

The shelter has been in Calhoun County for thirty three years and not only do they take animals in, but sometimes they hold on to them. Sometimes for a full year until they can find just the right home.

Persh says, "Our philosophy here is we try not to put anything down that is adoptable."

A mass euthanization is unthinkable, but possible as the shelter struggles in a tough economy.

Hunt says, "It's not only owners giving up their pets but people can no longer afford to donate."

Without last-minute donations this shelter will close. Donations will be accepted at the shelter beginning Thursday morning at ten. The shelter is on Parkwood Drive in West Anniston. An anonymous donor will match all contributions made this week."

http://www.abc3340.com/news/stories/0609/628801.html

Thursday June 4, 2009, 10:54 pm
I live in Birmingham, which is only about 45 minutes from this shelter. It's a good one and really needs our help. A donation link is in the story. Or you can just cut and paste the link below:

http://theanimalshelter.chipin.com/save-opals-shelter

Anything, even $5.00 can help (and the matching donor will make your $5.00 donation $10.00!)

Thursday June 4, 2009, 11:39 pm
Oh, this is sad. i may be able to do a little. I will see what can be done. You know if we had the FAIRTAX we would have extra income coming in to help in these times.
Thanks Lindsey.

Thursday June 4, 2009, 11:55 pm
How devastating it would be if this Humane Society of Calhoun County would have to close. I will send what I can! These animals deserve to be protected and saved! Thank you Lindsey.

Friday June 5, 2009, 1:11 am
This is so sad - I hope some organisation can come forward with enough money to help bail these poor babies out. Will try and send what I can and will crosspost as well.

Friday June 5, 2009, 4:53 am
Couldn't afford much but have sent $10 as it would be a crying shame if it were to close. Doesn't the local council ... or whatever it is you call it there (county) ... help out? thanks for the story Lindsey

Friday June 5, 2009, 5:23 am
Thank you so much, everyone. I'm so grateful for any donations (and I know not everyone can afford to donate these days.)

Chrissy, the shelter is a private charitable one so it isn't a county facility. A lot of shelters are having the same types of financial problems these days and unfortunately even those that do get tax dollars for handling city/county animal control don't always get enough to keep them afloat without the extra charitable dollars that are harder to come by these days.

Friday June 5, 2009, 6:06 am
Thanks for bring this to our attention Lindsey.

Friday June 5, 2009, 7:42 am
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I have noted and will forward your message.

Friday June 5, 2009, 8:04 am
I can't believe the Humane Society would euthanize the animals.

Friday June 5, 2009, 8:19 am
This is extremely important, if somebody is from the area or can forward this news to caring people near, maybe they can adopt this animals. Something has to be done.

Thanks for posting this.

Friday June 5, 2009, 8:30 am
I live in Birmingham also. I just sent them an email asking them how much they needed & what I could do to help. I've been trying to call them, but the line stays busy.

Friday June 5, 2009, 8:34 am
And thanks go to Sue Little who first posted this story on the forum. Her news item is at:

http://www.care2.com/news/member/406724603/1159756

Friday June 5, 2009, 8:37 am
Jeff, they may have no choice. It would be heartbreaking for them but they simply may have no choice (finding emergency homes for over 300 animals is a frighteningly difficult task). That's why I'm so hoping the public appeal that's gone out through so many mediums will result in enough donations to get them through this period.

Friday June 5, 2009, 9:32 am
Story noted. Thanks Lindsey for posting.

I am ever so sorry that I can't help at the moment. We have the same situation happening here. There is a pet store that is closing and I have just taken in about 20 pets rats, 30 mice, a rabbit, 3 guinea pigs, 2 ferrets and several other animals that didn't find homes in time. (So if anyone wants to adopt a rodent please let me know!!! LOL). Plus a shelter is closing in a neighboring town and I am trying to help them find homes for all their animals as well. Anyway I would help if I could but I got my hands full and my pockets empty (not even a piece of lint left).

Please keep us updated though and I really really hope things work out. There are so many animals out there struggling right now due to the economy - they are the true victims.

Friday June 5, 2009, 9:33 am
It is unfortunate that this is happening is so many places. Not enough people to donate or adopt.

Friday June 5, 2009, 10:08 am
Noted Lindsey, Thank you for calling this to our attention. These little guys depend on us for everything and it is a shame when we fail them, I will try to do what I can to help.

Friday June 5, 2009, 2:49 pm
Someone on another thread said that the ChipIn site that the Animal Shelter is using for the fundraiser charges a small fee to the shelter for each donation.

You can go directly to the shelter's own PayPal account and pay through there with no fee to ChipIn paid by the shelter:

http://theanimalshelter.net/How%20to%20Donate%20Page.htm

Just go down the page and click on the 'heart' which is the PayPal link.

Or if you want to mail a check, the address is on that page too.

Friday June 5, 2009, 4:26 pm
The Humane Society of Calhoun County in Anniston Alabama Needs Help

Money problems could force the euthanization of hundreds of animals. The Humane Society of Calhoun County in Anniston Alabama can't even pay its utility bills. Without an immediate surge in donations, this could be the beginning of the end for the shelter.

Their website is: http://www.theanimalshelter.net/

The link to their chip in to donate is: http://theanimalshelter.chipin.com/save-opals-shelter

Here's a message from them: Another wonderful donor has stepped forward to add an additional $5,000 to the matching fund! Donations up to $10,000 will be matched! We are overwhelmed by your generosity and support for our shelter and our animals.

Friday June 5, 2009, 4:43 pm
Good news Ginger. Thanks for keeping us updated!!!

Saturday June 6, 2009, 2:18 am
First Matching Challenge Met!
Thank you so much everyone - the first $5,000 donation has been met! The matching funds are on their way from the donor, who says Opal is overjoyed!

Saturday June 6, 2009, 8:22 am
Omg! The poor babies!

Saturday June 6, 2009, 12:04 pm
This is the very best part of belonging to Care2. Members put out a call for help - and others respond. I know the shelter is so grateful to everyone who was able to donate - and was just as grateful for the concern expressed by those who may not be financially able to donate.

Thanks to all for helping spread the word.

Saturday June 6, 2009, 6:54 pm
Lindsey, thanks for the acknowledgment but know that I am thrilled that you have found another URL link and posted another article on this. I know in the past I have actually seen some members get mad which is soooo petty. The only thing that matters are these animals!!!!! That's what Care 2 is supposed to be about, fighting tooth and nail for them. Let's try to get this one to the front page, too where even more people will have an opportunity to see it! Kudo's to you my dear.

Saturday June 6, 2009, 7:03 pm
OMG Lajanna, I just read your post. The catastophies are everywhere. And believe me, my own kennels are doubled up and my pockets too are very empty at the moment!!! But I keep going and trying to squeeze out every dime I can hoping we can somehow get over the hump in this economy and save as many as possible. It is like an "animal holocaust" out there! And no thanks about the rodents. I live in the country and have plenty of my own already!!!!!!(LOL)

Saturday June 6, 2009, 7:10 pm
BTW, which shelter is it that is closing?. I am assuming of course, that it is in Texas.

Sunday June 7, 2009, 1:52 pm
The chip in has jumped in a huge way. Last time I had looked it was around $5,600. Now it is at $8,690!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely great!!!!!!

I am hoping Ginger's fundable for Daffy's will pick up too. So far not much is happening there and it is so needed for the animals too!

Sunday June 7, 2009, 1:57 pm
We have to remember too that some donations are being made directly to the shelter through checks or directly to their PayPal account. So I know that the total donations will be more than we actually see on the chip or elsewhere.

I think it's great how many people are giving the shelter a hand.

BTW, Ginger - where and what is your "fundable"?

Sunday June 7, 2009, 9:03 pm
Don't forget to vote for this shelter on The Animal Rescue Site "Shelter Challenge" It is a contest and shelters with the most votes can win funds.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3

Monday June 8, 2009, 5:38 am
Thanks for mentioning my fundable for Daffy's Sue as they really need help as well. The link is: http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-06-04.6471655223

I am very impressed with how well the chip in is doing here.

Monday June 8, 2009, 12:08 pm
It is at $8,980, almost there!

Monday June 8, 2009, 3:55 pm
Why is the amount in the chip going up & down? Can they take some out if they need it or what?

Monday June 8, 2009, 4:00 pm
Thanks to the kindness of you donors, we have been very busy the last few days. It is time to deliver some good news!

Gas: being hooked back up!
Water: remaining on!
Power: paid in full by the Anniston Medical Clinic!

In addition to our online friends, people have dropped in, mailed checks, and offered to host fundraisers. We are so grateful - there is hope on the horizon!

(p.s.: The "gift" designation is hidden. When offered whether to designate "service" or "goods" in Paypal, click the tab to reveal the other options, including "gift.")

Monday June 8, 2009, 4:20 pm
I had noticed it going up and down. Has it been higher than $8,980?

Monday June 8, 2009, 4:24 pm
Yes it was up to around $9,100.

Tuesday June 9, 2009, 2:39 am
It's at $9,240 right now.

Wednesday June 10, 2009, 8:51 am
Well, it is $9,600 now. They are going to make it!!!!!!!!

Wednesday June 10, 2009, 2:28 pm
They reached their goal of $10,000!!!!

Wednesday June 10, 2009, 2:45 pm
Thanks for the heads up, Ginger!

And they'll have gotten other money from checks and their own PayPal account! I really hope things start looking up for these beautiful critters from now on.

Wednesday June 10, 2009, 5:12 pm
Great news!!!!! So happy to hear. Hopefully other shelters that are in the same situation will also get the help they need as well. I'm so happy that these little ones have so many angels out there to help them.