Humane Society of Greene County183 Jefferson Road
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ONE DOG MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
By Jane Gapen, Executive Director, Humane Society of Greene County
Humane Societies have existed for over one hundred years, but Greene County did not have one until 1986, just fourteen years ago. What became of our unwanted animals before we were conceived? Some animals may have gone to other Counties' animal shelters or perhaps an occasional police officer intervened, but the majority probably lived out the sad fate dealt to them. Consider that Greene County residents have surrendered to us over 2,500 dogs and cats each year since 1988 plus many cattle, sheep, goats, ferrets, rabbits, birds, etc. We have made a difference in over 26,000 animals' lives. Our role is to protect and to be steward to animals and our planet. In 1986 the way to make a difference was to start in our small community, and so I did.
Three kind women left bequests to begin the Humane Society. In 1988 the first dog was surrendered to the new facility. Champ was the result of a Humane Society investigation; a poor and uneducated family owned him. They had more children to care for than their means allowed. I found Champ living among truck engines, car parts, and grease, with no shelter from the weather. Although he was large and menacing at first glance, further observation revealed behavior that many abused dogs display. He immediately crouched when he was approached, as if he feared a beating. Loud noises frightened him. Although his frame was large, he was thin and malnourished. At my home he was shy and quiet. The sound of distant thunder put him into a panic. I later learned that his past owners shot other dogs as they stood near Champ; I arrived just in time to rescue him from this fate.
At my home Champ received constant food, shelter, and love. He became my shadow and constant companion. He is eager to please and returns the love I give him. Champ never tires of being groomed and being told he is a good dog. He has come to symbolize my role as a Humane Police Officer. Each time I rescue a dog or cat, I think of Champ and his loyalty. The way in which we treat animals is a reflection of our character. Just the other day I was watching as a thunderstorm approached. He did not even flinch at the thunder, but continued eating his food without a care. In a sense Champ created the Humane Investigation Program in Greene County. The abuse he received the first six months of his life did not destroy his gentle nature or his trust; his faith and devotion struck a chord of humanity within me and inspired me to launch the first and only Humane Investigation Program in Greene County. Since 1986 hundreds of animals' sad fate has been changed because of Champ. One dog can make a difference.
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