Springfield Humane Society rescues animals near and far

Opened in 1941, the Springfield Humane Society serves the town of Springfield as well as 11 other towns in Windsor County. Currently, the Springfield Humane Society has between 10-12 dogs available for adoption, 35 cats and 12 kittens that are looking for homes.
http://www.vermontjournal.com/content/springfield-humane-society-rescues-animals-near-and-far

Springfield Humane Society Rescues Animals Near and Far Submitted by VT Journal on Tue, 01/13/2015 - 2:15pm By LAUREN DRASLER The Shopper SPRINGFIELD, VT -In recent years, people across the country have become more and more interested in adopting animals from Humane Societies, rather than purchasing dogs and cats from pet stores or breeders. Although some people may have to travel long distances to their nearest animal shelter, residents of Springfield, however, need to look no further than the Springfield Humane Society located at 401 Skitchewaug Trail when considering adopting a new best friend. Opened in 1941, the Springfield Humane Society serves the town of Springfield as well as 11 other towns in Windsor County. Currently, the Springfield Humane Society has between 10-12 dogs available for adoption, 35 cats and 12 kittens that are looking for homes. In December of 2014, 35 animals were adopted, and three stray animals were claimed by their owners. “We take in animals from almost everywhere, but our first priority is to serve the needs of the animals in this area,” Springfield Humane Society Executive Director Anne Eddy said. “We take in animals from other cities and states, but the majority of strays or owner surrenders come from the 11 towns in this area.” Eddy said that the most of the animals that come into Springfield Humane Society are from Springfield and the surrounding areas, and are usually either found as strays or given up by their owners. However, some animals do come from further away. “We’ll be getting a bunch of dogs from Georgia at the end of this month,” she said. “Animals have also come from all the way from Virginia to New Hampshire. We also take animals from other shelters if they run out of room.” Although Springfield Humane Society only has dogs and cats available now, in the past, there have been more exotic animals available for adoption. “We’ve taken in birds, rabbits and ferrets in the past,” Eddy said. “There was a guinea pig that was found at the boat landing, and we took that animal in. We also had a snake come in as well. Sometimes people bring us wildlife, and although we don’t take wildlife, we do help set up these people with wildlife rehabilitators in the area.” Along with adoptions, Springfield Humane Society betters the lives of animals in a variety of other ways as well. “We hold low cost spay and neuter clinics, which will be monthly starting in February,” Eddy said. “We also have a program where school kids can come in and read to the animals, which is great for both the animals and the kids. Another program that we have is one for people that are the victims of domestic abuse.” The newest program at Springfield Humane Society is called No Place Like Home, and was set up to help people in need keep their animals rather than having to relinquish them. Eddy said that donations of dog and cat food and money can be made to this program. In addition to ongoing programs at the shelter, Springfield Humane Society also does numerous fundraisers throughout the year. “Our ‘Heat the Shelter’ fundraiser is happening Friday, January 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Congregational Church on Main Street,” Eddy said. “There will be a raffle, live music and refreshments. It’s free to come, you don’t have to be there to win a prize and there are about 70 raffle prizes including gift cards to lots of local businesses. There will also be donated items of scarves and quilts to win.” Another fundraiser, which is ongoing, is the wag sales, which is a year-round indoor yard sale that’s held at the house on the humane society’s property. “People can donate items by calling us and we will get them set up to bring in their items,” Eddy said. “Right now, wag sales are only happening Fridays and Saturdays from 12-4:30 p.m., but we hope to expand that at some point.” Eddy said that the idea for the wag sales came when it was no longer an option for Springfield Humane Society to hold yard sales during the summer. “We used to hold a yard sale every Friday during the summer at one of the local storage places, but the rules changed and we were unable to continue doing that,” she said. “That’s when we started talking about using the vacant house for a year-long yard sale. We did some work inside, and now it’s being used. Every penny raised at the wag sales goes to Springfield Humane Society.” According to Eddy, prices are negotiable for items sold at the wag sales. Currently, there are no clothes, but there is furniture, kitchen supplies, music, beauty supplies, dog and cat items and small appliances. To donate items, contact Anne Eddy at 802-885-3997 to make arrangements. Although some people may wish to donate items to the wag sales, others might consider donating time to spend with the animals instead. “People that really love animals can come in and participate in our volunteer program,” she said. “Those that volunteer can walk our dogs, socialize with the dogs and cats, take pictures and transport animals to and from the vet. There are lots of ways to help out.” Eddy said that another program she hopes to launch in the spring is called rent-a-rover, which will give those that love to hike the opportunity to take a shelter dog with them on their walk. This program, along with the wag sales, will enable the community to become more involved with the humane society, Eddy said. “I want the community more involved in the humane society, which is why the wag sales are here,” she said. “This isn’t a sad place, we have fun here.” Those interested in making a regular monetary donation can mail their donation to Springfield Humane Society at 401 Skitchewaug Trail Springfield, Vermont 05156. Donations can also be given to the Princess Fund, which was set up to help pay for costly medical procedures for animals living at Springfield Humane Society. There is always a need for paper towels, dishwasher and dish detergent, bleach, and laundry detergent. Canned dog food, six-foot sturdy leashes, bones and other items for dogs to chew are also appreciated, Eddy said. The Springfield Humane Society is open Wednesday through Saturday, 12-4:30 p.m. - See more at: http://www.vermontjournal.com/content/springfield-humane-society-rescues-animals-near-and-far#sthash.89RTMGUu.dpuf