Here at Forsyth Humane Society we are grateful for our Pet Food Pantry Partners across the community. These partners are the feet on the ground distributing pet food to those who need it while we care for the animals that come into the shelter in hopes of finding their forever homes. Today we are talking about the services of Fur Ever Friends who have continuously assessed our community to determine where the most critical animal welfare needs exist. Partnerships with organizations like Fur Ever Friends helps keep animals out of the shelter and helps families and pets stay together. Every few weeks authorized participants from Fur Ever Friends come and get pet food from us to share with other organizations in the community where the public can pickup pet food, for free. You can find the full listing HERE but some of the organizations include The Shalom Project, Central Triad Church, Christ Beloved Lutheran Church, Watchman of the Streets, Whole Man Ministries and Humane Solutions. This year alone we have given over 12,000 lbs of pet food just to Fur Ever Friends to then share with their community partners. The reach is throughout all of Forsyth County and we are proud of the ways in which we come together to take care of pets and the people who love them in out community!
The following programs (from Fur Ever Friends website) address issues related to the most basic needs of food, shelter, medical care and quality of life.
Share the Warmth Fur-Ever Friends canvases area neighborhoods and relies on tips from the community to find dogs in need of shelter and warmth during the cold winter months. Started in 2015, our volunteers have distributed 135 dog houses and 340 bags of wood shavings to help dogs stay warm and dry.
Rico Sick and Injured Memorial Fund Started in honor of, and named for, a K9 officer who was stricken with bone cancer and eventually succumbed to it. The fund is used to assist with Vet care for sick and injured animals as well as those that are victims of cruelty and/or neglect. Over the years, this fund has spent $165,000 and helped over 1,400 animals.
Nikon’s Fund Established by Fur-Ever Friends in 2016 in memory of Nikon, a heroic K9 officer, and in honor of all other K9 officers who serve and protect our community. Upon each K9’s retirement from the force, each of their handlers will be gifted a $250 retirement grant as well as financial assistance with medical emergencies during its lifetime.
Cruelty Investigation and Education We have hosted training for law enforcement officers on how to identify, handle and investigate animal cruelty issues. So far, we have trained 200 law enforcement officers and Assistant District Attorneys from 30 agencies in 18 counties. We also maintain a Cruelty Fund that offers monetary rewards for information that leads to the arrest of persons responsible for acts of animal cruelty.
Prepared by Kristen Williams
