Foothills Humane Society board members (from left), Kathy Toomey, Sheila Veatch, Amanda Staggs, Linda Williams, Sheryl Sims, Executive Director Chris Taylor, David Pritchard, Gretchen Boyd, Susan Wallahora, Steve King and Barbara Claussen.

Foothills Humane Society is pleased to announce recent changes in the shelter’s organization and leadership, including a revamped board of directors.

“Following the departure of our previous executive director last fall, we were fortunate to have volunteers and staff step up to cover management duties. That gave us time to evaluate our overall needs and priorities and make changes to better serve our customers and, of course, the animals that are at the core of our mission,” said Board President David Pritchard.

“One of the changes we made was to streamline the board for easier decision making. We eliminated the separate executive committee and now have fewer board members who are more hands-on and active in the operation of the shelter and its programs,” Pritchard continued. “The board includes Vice President Susan Wallahora, Treasurer Kathy Toomey, Asst. Treasurer Steve King, Recording Secretary Sheila Veatch, Corresponding Secretary Sheryl Sims, and members Gretchen Boyd, Barbara Claussen, Joe Eskridge, Amanda Staggs and Linda Williams.”

The new board’s first priority was the search for an executive director. Forty candidates applied, three finalists made presentations to the board, and new Executive Director Chris Taylor was chosen unanimously.

New programs have also been implemented with the focus on making Foothills animals more adoptable. Those include a new dog-training course to socialize dogs and teach them basic commands; introduction “portraits” of newly adoptable animals donated by award-winning photographer Vincent Verrecchio of Landrum; and partnering with area businesses and groups on opportunities to get Foothills dogs and cats out in public.

Foothills will also continue to work with other no-kill shelters and rescues in the Carolinas and along the East Coast to transport animals to areas with more adoption opportunities.

“One of the challenges we face is that unlike rescue organizations in more populated areas, we do not have a larger county shelter that takes in all animals and then we get to select the most adoptable ones,” Pritchard explained. “Because Polk County funds approximately 16 percent of our operating expenses, we are contractually obligated to take in all of the county’s stray dogs and cats. We also have to reserve kennel space for any animals brought in by the county’s animal control officer. Unfortunately that means we are sometimes completely full and temporarily unable to take in animals from Landrum, Campobello and Gowensville.

“That’s why enhancing our animals’ adoptability is so important,” Pritchard continued. “It will make it easier to find our animals their forever homes and create space at the shelter for animals that need it.”

Foothills welcomes everyone to visit the shelter and meet the staff and animals. Volunteers are always welcome to give dogs and cats socialization and exercise, and even to foster animals (at no expense to the volunteer) so kennel space remains open at the shelter.

Visit www.foothillshumanesociety.org or on Facebook for hours, contact information, and the latest news.

– Submitted by Foothills Humane Society