Making Cherokee County a better place - one pet at a time

Rating Details

Service being reviewed:

Humane Society of Cherokee County
Reviews: 63 | Posted: 1 year ago | Avg Rating: 4.7

Supporting Shelter: Humane Society of Cherokee County

Supporting Rescue: Henryetta Animal Aid Rescue Team (H.A.A.R.T.)

Pros: Dedicated people

Cons: Doing one of the hardest jobs on the planet

Unless you have visited Cherokee County in Eastern Oklahoma, you cannot imagine the suffering endured by the numerous abandoned and abused animals of this area. Many people treat their own animals as though they are some sort of commodity or crop. Spay or neuter? Last thing in the world many of our citizens would spend their money on. This part of the world has a very poor reputation when it comes to animal care.
The Humane Society of Cherokee County (HSCC) processes loads of abandoned dogs and cats and we receive 10 to 20 calls per day for help -- usually asking us to just pick up the strays or threatening to shoot them if we don't come yesterday. It's difficult emotionally knowing that a dog or dogs are going to die unless you jump into your car and rescue them, whether from the elements or the population.
HSCC will transfer or adopt out around 200 dogs in 2008 and assist in the care, feeding, and/or fostering of another 150 to 200. We also have a cat crew and cat boarding area in our shelter.
Everything we do is paid for through individual donations and grants. We pay two people to clean the shelter daily. The rest of the work is done on a volunteer basis.
The organization has grown from just a few members in 2000 to over fifty today. We operate two shelters and soon will be opening a thrift store in Tahlequah.
It is difficult and often worrisome work, but we have made a significant dent in the animal suffering of this county. With our dedicated volunteers and sponsors we will continue to grow and improve our service to the disadvantaged and homeless animals of this county.

"Saving just one dog won't change the world, but surely the world will change for that one dog." --Unknown

Lou Hays
President,
Humane Society of Cherokee County
Tahlequah, Oklahoma

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