RACHEL DOVE-BALDWIN
Staff Writer
BORDERLAND - When you pull into the drive at the Save our Strays (SOS) Shelter located on Deskins Drive in Borderland, you are instantly greeted by a chorus of barking as numerous dogs run to the fence that surrounds several kennels, in a very excited manner.
With tails wagging, they will stick their noses through the chainlink fence, trying to nudge their way closer to the visitor. Their facial expressions vary from one dog to another, as do their colors, breeds, sizes and age, but all of them have eyes that seem to bore right into your heart and soul, asking the question, “Will you pick me? Will you take me home and make me a part of your family?”
“We have got some wonderful dogs, puppies, full-grown cats and kittens that are in need of a forever home,” commented Vicky Lipps, an SOS board member who has devoted many years to finding homes for strays.
“They’re just waiting to catch the eye and the heart of a person that visits the shelter looking for a furry friend, hoping they will be adopted by someone that will love and care for them.
“In return, you will receive a lifetime of devotion and loyalty.”
Lipps spoke with the Daily News and explained that, although the shelter is within their capacity limit and are able to care for and feed the animals currently in the shelter, the requests they receive from the public on a daily basis who have animals they are needing to bring to SOS is overwhelming.
“We desperately need to find homes for the cats and dogs we’re currently housing, to make space to accommodate more strays that need our services,” remarked Lipps. “We can’t assist other strays until we relocate those we have now into permanent homes.
“There’s not a day goes by that we don’t receive a dozen or more calls from people saying that someone has set a stray off at their house and they can’t keep them, and they want us to take them in. We’re adopting animals out, but they’re not moving as quickly as they have in the past, and part of this is the state of the economy. Until we find homes for the ones we’ve got now, we can’t accept others.
“We encourage anyone that is considering adopting a pet to visit the SOS Shelter,” said Lipps. “There’s a really good selection of both dogs and cats, ranging from 6 weeks of age puppies and kittens on up through senior age pets.
“I know that most people tend to lean toward puppies, smaller dogs and kittens, but you really need to look at our selection of older animals, and dogs that are larger breeds,” Lipps remarked. “We have some really sweethearts that have wonderful temperaments and personalities that tend to be overlooked because of their size.
“They all need love, no matter how small or big they are. They just want a chance to have a home and someone to care for them.”
The SOS Shelter, unlike many shelters in the Tug Valley area, does not charge an adoption fee for their animals. They do ask, if possible, that you make either a monetary donation or donations of supplies such as pet food, blankets, straw, leashes, chew toys, collars, etc.
“We understand all too well that many families are suffering financially,” said Lipps. “We choose to not charge a fee that can add to financial burdens. Our main concern is to place our animals in a good home.”
You may contact the caretakers at the SOS Shelter by calling 304-235-0988, or stopping by their location. You can also view many of the pets available for adoption by visiting the “petfinder” website and typing in Williamson’s zip code (25661), where you will find photos and information about the SOS animals.
Volunteers with the non-profit organization plan to be set up in the parking lot of Food City at Goody, Ky., this Saturday, July 14, beginning at 11 a.m., weather permitting. Several cats, dogs, kittens and puppies will be offered for adoption.
“Come on by and see the animals if you’re looking for a new addition to your family,” stated Lipps. “I’m positive that one of these cats or dogs will steal your heart.”
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