It is safe to say that the people of Floyd County love their pets and animals. It is a common sight to see pets and owners cruising through town, at the Saturday Farmers Market, or enjoying a pint at one of the many “adopt me” events hosted by Buffalo Mountain Brewery and McDaniel’s Tavern. One can find many of these pet lovers at a summer music event hosted by Cabin Fever, a dedicated supporter of the Floyd County Humane Society. This event allows folks and dogs enjoy great music, chow on some home cooking, splash in the creek, and enjoy a relaxing day.
Over the years, FCHS has become an integral part of the community. It began as a loose knit group of animal lovers who grew concerned with the increasing instances of domestic animal abandonment, resulting in a high euthanasia rate throughout the county. Floyd County Animal Control reported in the late 1990’s, that only around 12% of captured/surrendered dogs were adopted, and their facilities did not house any cats, resulting in a high euthanasia rate. Thanks to the continued long-term collaboration between Floyd County Animal Control and FCHS, the current county euthanasia rate hovers around 5%.
Aletha Pearson and Don Loomis began organizing in 1998 and officially incorporated FCHS in 2000, with immediate goals to reduce pet overpopulation, improve conditions at the Floyd County Animal Control pound, and to find homes for abandoned or abused animals. The groundwork laid by the society’s initial founders is impossible to convey completely, but the FCHS would not be successful today without their dedication.
Back then FCHS had no facility, and animals were housed in volunteer homes as well as rented space at Dr. Meredith McGrath’s veterinary clinic. Although Dr. McGrath has since retired, the availability of that space and the care from her and her staff were crucial during that time. Dr. Anna Simms housed cats in her barn, lending new meaning to the term “barn cat”, and many customers continue to find kittens being cared for by Darcie Luster at the Bell Gallery and Garden, and by Sarah Sowers at Floyd Jewelry. It is not unusual for these businesses to be a local favorite stop to see kittens that are ready for adoption.
Foster families continue to be an invaluable tool used by the FCHS. They are utilized primarily when an animal needs special care due to a medical need, or when an animal needs to be adjusted to living in a home setting. Some dogs need extra attention and training and Stefi Schafer is gifted at working with these dogs. It is hard to miss Stefi around town, she almost always has a dog that she is training with her. Foster families have allowed the FCHS to be successful, it is impossible to overstate the gratitude which they deserve.
Since 2000, FCHS has been instrumental in reducing the euthanasia rate at the county pound and increasing access to low cost or free spay/neuter services. They also have provided thousands of pounds of pet food for distribution through Plenty and have successfully increased access to low cost or free rabies vaccination. Assisting injured animals and assisting in cases of animal neglect/abuse has also been a huge part of the FCHS mission. Because of their hard work, they have been recognized by the community by receiving the Floyd County Volunteer Group Award in 2007-08 and the Floyd Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year Award in 2019.
All of FCHS rescue animals have a story, but one that garnered the attention of many town residents was dubbed “Rosie the Town Hound”. Several years ago, there were many Facebook posts reporting sightings of a hound that was running loose from Slaughters to the Xpress Market. It was discovered that poor Rosie was pregnant and without an owner. Several FCHS volunteers and town residents worked to capture Rosie, but were unable to catch her before she had her litter. The litter was later discovered inside of a thick briar patch and a dedicated volunteer crawled inside to rescue them. Rosie has since gone on to her second vocation as a comfort companion for a resident with medical conditions. Some animals come to FCHS with sad stories and medical issues. FCHS relies on the generous time and expertise of member Dr. Anna Simms, Dr. Jacob Nicolo and his staff of the Blue Ridge Veterinary, as well as a collaboration with Mountain View Humane for low cost spay/neuter procedures.
Stories of abuse and medical needs have encouraged FCHS to be an extremely active volunteer group. FCHS volunteers average more than 1100 hours every month, performing multiple tasks. For example, in 2020, 2021, and 2022, 352 dogs and 521 cats were rescued. Additionally, largely due to the efforts of Darcie Luster, the feral cat population was reduced and vaccinated for rabies.
FCHS volunteers have many talents including baking dog biscuits, even selling these treats as a successful fundraiser. They are baked by hand by two very dedicated volunteers, Paul and Cathy Shaut. Another fundraiser favorite are hand-knit hats, scarves, and shawls created by the talented Suzanne Piovano. One cannot forget the crinkle cat mats created and sewn by Joan Hamilton and Sandra Baker. FCHS’s main sources of funding are through individual donations and events such as the Paws Cause Dinner and Silent Auction. Over the years, many local artists, donors, and businesses have generously provided items to support this event.
The last three years have seen a seismic shift for FCHS. Through a generous bequest from the Ted and Shirley Birkeland estate, in honor of their beloved dog, Louie-Pierre, FCHS was able to purchase a nine-acre property on Franklin Pike in 2020. A short drive from the town and on a paved road, the property came with an existing house. That structure was renovated to provide cat housing and serve as a central administrative hub, which was sorely needed. Through an additional generous donation from the owners of Meadow Creek Farm, FCHS was able to install a prebuilt temporary dog shelter and run yard to house up to 4 dogs. For the first time since incorporating in 2000, the group finally had one central operating location.
Looking to the future, it was always a goal to build a permanent shelter to better serve the community and their pets. The nine-acre property can accommodate a larger facility and floor plans have already been developed by Balzer and Associates for a 3,000 square foot building. The new facility will have space to house multiple cats and 10+ dogs. Sorely needed isolation rooms for each area and food prep rooms will be included, giving the volunteers the space that they need. A dog washroom, storage space, and visitation areas will be in the new facility as well. Each large dog kennel will have an individual outside run and there will be a large free-run fenced area. The main entrance will be able to accommodate small groups and serve as a reception point. Keeping construction costs down, the current brick structure and temporary kennel building will serve as an administrative hub as well as storage and animal overflow space. This vision could not be accomplished without the dedicated volunteers and long-term supporters, many of whom wish to remain anonymous.
FCHS is pleased to announce that in December 2023, the initial fundraising goal of $250,000 was reached. Phase Two fundraising will launch Spring of 2024 with a goal to raise $450,000 to meet all construction needs. This phase of construction will include site preparation tasks and the completion of the shell building and exterior finishings. The last phase of fundraising will be for interior construction and finishes.
Floyd County Humane Society • 540-745-7207 www.FloydHumaneSociety.org • info@FloydHumaneSociety.org
2136 Franklin Pike, Floyd, VA