The Humane Society of Madison County’s (HSMC) participation in the 2008 Zootoo.com Shelter Makeover Contest has come to an end. Betty Peyton, HSMC shelter director, was on stage to accept a check as one of the finalists during the presentation at last week’s Humane Society of the United States international sheltering conference.
HSMC was not selected as a final-three candidate, but did place in the top 20 out of over 1,000 participating shelters across the country.
While there is a certain amount of expected disappointment in not being chosen to be a top-three finalists, the HSMC Board is extremely proud of the way the staff, volunteers and community at large stepped to the plate to get the shelter as far in the contest as they went. It certainly showed the support the community has for the work the shelter is doing and gives an indication of what direction the community would like to see the shelter head.
While the exciting Zootoo ride has ended, it is really a mile marker along the road the shelter is traveling. The journey will continue for the Humane Society and the community to improve the shelter and animal welfare issues in Madison County.
Humane Society board officers will begin meeting with the Madison County commissioners and community leaders to look at ways to meet animal welfare needs, including infrastructure improvements. Board members are confident that with perseverance these needs can be met so that the shelter’s international reputation will continue to grow.
Cindy Phillips, board secretary
Humane Society of Madison County
