In February 2005 I set off to find the Athens County Cat Shelter. After several wrong turns I maneuvered my car down a steep embankment, across a rickety bridge and along a winding gravel road until I reached my destination. What I found was a small wood-shingled house — the home of the Athens County Humane Society.
During my sophomore year at Ohio University, my love for animals inspired me to begin volunteering at a local animal shelter. I had done extensive volunteer work at animal shelters in my hometown, but I quickly discovered that my experience in Athens would be far different.
Athens is located in the heart of the Appalachian region, nestled in the hills of southeastern Ohio. The area is marked by beautiful terrain and an overwhelming culture of poverty. In fact, Athens County is one of four counties in Ohio designated as "distressed" by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The poverty level directly affects animals and animal welfare in the region. Many residents lack the money or means to properly care for their pets. According to Athens County Humane Officer and Dog Warden Lana Planesik, adequate food and shelter are the biggest animal welfare concerns. Pet overpopulation is another major issue affecting the Appalachian region. Because medical procedures such as spay and neuter surgery are expensive, pet owners often neglect to sterilize their pets.
I am creating this blog for an assignment in my Online Journalism class. When I first learned that I had to create a journalistic blog on a topic of my choice, I was extremely excited. Finally, I could inform others about matters pertaining to animals in the Appalachian region.
This blog will delve into the animal welfare issues that are prevalent in the Athens area and throughout other parts of Appalachia. It will follow the efforts of people and organizations who, like myself, strive to make a difference for the animals.
I look forward to this experience and I hope that I can shed light on a topic that many may be unaware of. Your questions and comments are welcomed and encouraged, as they will help me continually improve the content of this blog.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
About Me
- Amy Lauer
- Athens, Ohio, United States
- I am a senior in Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. I am majoring in magazine journalism, with a specialization in sociology. Upon graduation I hope to get a job with an animal rescue and eventually earn my Masters in Public Administration. I adopted my cat, Oscar, from the Athens County Humane Society after fostering him for several months. He is spoiled rotten. His favorite things are: me, fruit, plastic straws and windows.
3 comments:
One of my favorite things to do in the Athens area is drive around in the hills and look at the scenery. I can’t even count how many times I’ve encountered a dog just running in the middle of the road. I personally remember one dog that was just lying in the middle of the road. I immediately thought it must be hurt, but no, it was just enjoying a sunbath. Free-range dogs are something very different from what it’s like back in the suburb where I grew up.
I’m curious for some more specifics on how your experiences caring for animals in Athens differ from your experiences at home.
I liked the description of when you finally find the shelter. It describes the Athens area well.
I agree with Jonathan on his comment about wanting to learn more about your experiences from home and how it compares. Maybe a look back on how and why you decided to get involved when you were at home. I also want to know what kinds of things you do at the shelter and about the animals you help. I can't wait to see pictures of the animals.
After the shelter closed in Athens, I was concerned about the procedures that would take place to get the cats adopted. What is interesting is that this small town has become so commercial. Now Petland is a main pet store adoption site, that does not spay or neuter its pets -- despite the Athens County Humane Society's efforts to enforce this law. What do the shelter employees think about this?
Post a Comment