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It’s been nearly 20 years ago when a group of citizens in Hertford County came to the realization that if anything were ever to be done about the grim circumstances facing the homeless, abandoned, and abused animals of the community, someone would have to step up to the plate.

A small band of volunteers began meeting and planning to tackle a colossal challenge to start a humane society.

PAWS of Hertford County was organized, incorporated, and ready to begin making a difference.

After gaining permission from Hertford County officials the volunteers began work in the county animal shelter on Mt. Moriah Road near Winton. They established three main goals: starting a responsible adoption program, improving conditions at the shelter, and increasing the spaying and neutering of cats and dogs across the county.

Now, nearly 20 years later, PAWS of Hertford County has not only met these goals, it has exceeded them beyond the wildest dreams of the original founders. Thousands of cats and dogs who would have faced certain death without the intervention of PAWS are now living in wonderful homes with proud owners all over the community and beyond.

The spay/neuter program has resulted in reducing the problem of pet overpopulation.

The shelter facility has been improved and expanded to create housing for cats and dogs that greatly improves their quality of life during their shelter stay.

The most amazing fact is that PAWS has paid for all shelter renovations and day-to-day operations without the benefit of taxpayer dollars as the organization is funded through private donations and fundraisers.

Hertford County Animal Control preceded PAWS. That entity still serves the county, enforcing its animal control ordinance with officers working full-time in that capacity. Meanwhile, PAWS volunteers operate the adoption program of the dogs/cats picked up by the Animal Control officers or strays that were dropped off at the shelter. Most all were in need of medical attention.

At that time, if someone came by the shelter and wanted a dog, they would pay $5. There were no medical records, no paperwork with the dog; the new owner really didn’t know what they were actually getting.

Additionally, no stray or surrendered cats were kept at the shelter. That stopped in the summer of 2006.

Now there are several buildings and fenced in outdoor “runs” on the same property, all constructed and maintained by PAWS on county property.

All totaled, PAWS has invested in excess of $100,000 in infrastructure alone. That’s not counting the money it takes for day-to-day operations….pet food, veterinarian care and transportation costs to carry the pets to their vet appointments or to adoption clinics. The county does cover the costs associated with water and electrical service.

The PAWS operating budget is covered by a combination of adoption fees, fundraisers, private and corporate donations, and lots and lots of volunteers. PAWS’ presence on social media has led people from across the nation to send donations of pet food.

It goes without saying that all volunteers with PAWS of Hertford County are, first and foremost, animal lovers. Some are retirees while others work full-time jobs. It breaks their hearts to see animals treated inhumanly and left to die, but due to their efforts these dogs/cats are nursed back to health and most eventually find caring individuals who adopt them and give the love and attention they need.

PAWS accepts dogs and cats into their shelter in various ways. Those pets may be directly surrendered by their owner to a PAWS member, or come into the facility through Hertford County Animal Control. The latter method is slightly delayed due to state law requiring that an animal must initially be impounded for a mandatory period of time. PAWS reserves the right to reject an animal from the county, based on the fact that it may not be physically or emotionally adept for adoption.

Once a cat or dog arrives at PAWS, an assessment is performed for health issues and emotional behavior. The animal is vaccinated, to include for rabies, de-wormed, and checked thoroughly for flea/tick infestation. All are also spayed/neutered.

One of the reasons PAWS operates a successful adoption program is they first take the time to understand the emotional needs of each animal.

The adoption process starts with an application followed by an interview between a PAWS member and the potential new owner. That process is necessary to properly match the right animal with the right owner.

After the application and interview process, the potential new owner experiences a “meet-and-greet” with the pet that’s right for their needs.

PAWS also checks the history of the applicant to the point where if they’ve owned pets in the past and if those animals were taken care of.

Additionally, PAWS owns vehicles that are used to transport the animals, either to adoption clinics or veterinarian appointments.

Even if they are not looking to adopt, local animal lovers are encouraged to donate needed supplies – food, bedding, and other essential items –by visiting the PAWS website at www.pawsofhertfordcounty.org and the PAWS Facebook page. Donations can also be made through PayPal on the website.

To learn more about PAWS, becoming a volunteer, adopting a pet, or the spay/neuter program, call 252-642-PAWS (7297) of email them at pawshc@gmail.com.

You can also visit their Facebook page that’s updated nearly every day to show new arrivals or give an update on one or more of the furry guests who have made progress on their medical and emotional well-being and are inching closer to be ready for someone to adopt them.

Cal Bryant is the Editor of Roanoke-Chowan Publications. Contact him at cal.bryant@r-cnews.com or 252-332-7207.