MC Animal Shelter, Pet Friends keep busy with caring for pets

by Cate Ogden – 

Phew! April was a busy month for the Middlesex County Animal Shelter and Middlesex Pet Friends for Life. The shelter was bulging at the seams, housing 40 dogs and taking in 17 cats.

Since our shelter was not built to accommodate kitties, we were fortunate to have Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society to help by taking some of the cats. Nonetheless the shelter staff was stretched thin and stepped up doing a yeoman’s job in cleaning, feeding and keeping the animals comfortable.

The wonderful, dedicated volunteer dog walkers did double shifts to be sure all dogs got walked every single day and the kitties got some love time too.

Our one major fundraiser was conducted April 20, the Low Country Boil, at the Deltaville Maritime Museum. We are thrilled to report that it was a smashing success thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and donors.

Megan and Ricki were five-star chefs and pleased all palates. Sarah and Colleen pulled off a great silent auction. Kim and Jeff made bartending look fun — actually it was fun! Maggie conducted a lucrative 50/50 raffle and thanks goes to the winner, Robin Mathews, who generously donated her half back to MPFL.

The wonderful band, Flat Tones, kept the place rockin’ and folks dancing the night away.

Volunteers prepared some of the most mouthwatering desserts ever. We are so very thankful for the volunteers who set up, cleaned up and generally made it happen. Thanks also goes to the many merchants, artists and contributors who helped make it a success,

Please check us out on Middlesexpetfriends.wordpress.com and Facebook. Come say hello at the May Deltaville Farmers Market and visit the shelter to meet your new BFF. Donations can also be sent to MPFL, PO Box 145, Saluda, VA 23149 or online. Dog and cat food are also appreciated.

See you at the upcoming farmers markets. Enjoy this “purrfect” weather.

Cate Ogden is president of the Middlesex Pet Friends for Life Board of Directors. Her email address is roc@va.metrocast.net.