The Transcript

Issue date: 2/18/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Submitted photo Pet Pal members wash and groom dogs at their annual dog wash to help raise money to donate to the Humane Society of Delaware County.

Media Credit: Submitted photo Pet Pal members wash and care for a dog at their annual fundraising dog wash.

Most Ohio Wesleyan students may not realize how many homeless animals there are in Delaware County, but the members of Pet Pals know and understand the attention they need.

Senior Stacey Venzel, president of Pet Pals, said the club is a "group of student animal lovers who promote adoption and awareness of animal cruelty."

Each semester the club compiles a schedule and car pool list for members to visit the Delaware County Humane Society. Members go for two-hour shifts at a time.

During visits, volunteers are able to play with and walk cats and dogs. The goal of these visits is to better the lives of the animals at the shelter and give them attention they normally lack. Members may also help assist the Humane Society staff.

The Delaware County Humane Society works very closely with Pet Pals and relies on them for volunteers. The Humane Society holds two hour orientation sessions, which are required for volunteers. Members can learn how to handle animals and the Humane Society standards.

Venzel said the Humane Society appreciates the volunteers and makes the training process easy.

Venzel said promoting awareness about both illegal and in-humane animal practices is another one of Pet Pals's goal. Pet Pals's current focus is getting out information about puppy mills, companies who breed puppies non-stop and house them in poor conditions.

Pet Pals also offers opportunities for members to work at adoption events at off-site venues. In the past the club has been able to work closely with Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) and Ban Ohio Dog Auctions, assisting with various projects.

Their biggest event is a fundraising dog wash they hold each semester on campus.

"One semester we raised up to $1000 in one day," said Venzel.

All the money Pet Pals raises goes directly to the Humane Society of Delaware County.

Venzel said the club currently has roughly 90 members signed up, 60 of which are dedicated.

The club has also caught on at Buckeye Valley High School.

The group meets twice throughout each month on Monday nights at 9 P.M., in Smith date study to plan events.

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