Area shelter $50,000 closer to building

By Jeff Bunn
Capital Journal staff
Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, Feb 09, 2010 - 12:40:41 am CST

PIERRE — The humane society is looking to bring its cats and dogs under one roof. And thanks to $50,000 from Scott and Julie Jones the shelter is moving in the direction of development.

Monday, the Joneses donated a check to the humane society as it looks to raise $300,000 for a new building.

Julie Jones, who is a Pierre-Fort Pierre Area Humane Society member, said her husband recommended they make the donation to commemorate her 50th birthday.

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“They’ve needed a building for quite some time,” she said. “It’s desperately needed.”

Kathy Hammond, president of the local humane society, said the organization now has $65,000 in its building fund.

“We’re hoping people will think about us now,” Hammond said.

Hammond said no plans have been set for the building other than it will hold cats and dogs and cost about $300,000.

Hammond said the facility is especially in need of foster families for dogs. The facility takes dogs from the police but if there is no room dogs are not accepted and are euthanized.

“We couldn’t do what we love without everyone’s donations,” Hammond said. “But, it all comes down to money.”

Julie Jones said having one building with cats and dogs instead of the operation’s current two sites hopefully will bring more people and animals together.

“This is the place where people meet good animals and animals meet good people,” Julie Jones said.

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Comments

21 comment(s)

my view wrote on Mar 4, 2010 4:53 PM:

" It was a wonderful thing to get the donation to go towards a building to house the animals, it should be built close to the SDWP and the inmates can help take care of the animals and clean the kennels. It would be a benefit for both the inmates and the humane society. "

Former Member wrote on Feb 18, 2010 2:09 PM:

" Wow, did things get off track. No one said that the donation isn't a wonderful thing. I just think people need to know there is more to the story than a wonderful donation. The HS had $75,000 in funds donated that were supposed to be specifically for a building. There wasn't anything in writing that said that the money could be used only for a building. The money essentially goes for day to day expenses. Be aware that when money is donated it is not always going to go where you want it to go! "

To Hmmm... wrote on Feb 16, 2010 11:26 AM:

" Everyone has their passion...whether it be people, pets, or something else. So, "Hmmm", your opinion has been heard. Now, can you put your opininon on hold for a moment and allow the Humane Society to celebrate this donation? Julia and Scott made a wonderful donation to the Humane Society because animals are something they are passionate about. They, and others, donate to "people-based" organizations, too. Humane Society volunteers donate their time because they're passionate about animals. Please let them do what they love without your negative comments. "

Pierre area wrote on Feb 12, 2010 6:15 PM:

" I do agree with you Hmm. But I also think that maybe this will get the Humane Society in getting animals homes. I am sure most people here would help a hungry child and will help people in need. "

Hmm wrote on Feb 12, 2010 6:09 PM:

" I help when I can with my fellow man. And my priorities should NOT be everybody's but it is plain common sense. Cats and Dogs are that and that only. If a human child is hungry I will help. MY OPINION is MY OPINION, and that is that. Children and humans come first before animals, as it should be all human nature. Some of you are nothing but animal crazy and are totally detached from reality. I love my dogs, but they are that and would still choose a human over an animal any day. "

Animal Lover wrote on Feb 12, 2010 11:45 AM:

" To Hmmm
So what are you doing to help feed the hungry and help the homeless people?
More than just talking I hope. "

HS member wrote on Feb 12, 2010 11:21 AM:

" THANK YOU!!! :)
In response to hmm comment. This is America and people can do what they wish with their own money. Helping animals does help people emotionally. A pet brings love into any family and gives emotional support to humans. We do have shelters for Humans such as Missouri Shores. I volunteer at the HS and as a Human it helps me to be surrounded by animals that give me love and happiness. To former member you say how the HS tries to save every animal thats because we are a Humane Society thats what we do. :) "

To Hmmm wrote on Feb 12, 2010 9:35 AM:

" So what are you doing about the plight you recognize? Furthermore, why do believe your priorities should be everybody's? "

Hmm wrote on Feb 12, 2010 7:36 AM:

" All I have to say is that these towns have a serious problem with priorities. We have no HUMAN shelter for our fellow PEOPLE, but we sure can try to save every stray animal on the planet. I am sorry but I still believe that HUMAN first then animal. Not the other way around. I love animals too but hungry kids and homeless People come first for me. "

Lisa S wrote on Feb 11, 2010 11:25 AM:

" As a friend, member, and volunteer of the HS, and more recently a friend of Julia and Scott Jones, I want to extend a great, big "Thank You" for your generous donation!!! We live in a wonderful, caring community and you are proof of that! Thank You!! "

Also Animal Lover wrote on Feb 10, 2010 5:28 PM:

" You are so right, K-9 crazy!!! Thanks!!
Back to the article at hand - A great, big thanks to Julia and Scott as we are one step closer to our "facility dream"!! "

K-9 crazy wrote on Feb 10, 2010 5:18 PM:

" I have been a volunteer for more than a decade and I have seen the good and bad that come & go in our Humane Society. For many years I have hoped and prayed for a facility that could house all of our animals. Until that day comes, I want to save all the animals that we possibly can. Julie and Scott have given us a huge 'leg up' to accomplish that dream.
The past is over, it can't be changed. Stop bickering. We must look to the future and the possibilities for homeless pets. "

Also Animal Lover wrote on Feb 10, 2010 5:02 PM:

" The more I think about "Former memember"'s comments, the more irritated I get! For one, if you are going to make suggestions that "they have had many large donations for a building...and wasted the money..." Where are the facts?! The Humane Society is a no-kill shelter saving as many animals as they financially can - that's it! We have great members and friends that help us get this job done!! All true facts!!!! "

Also Animal Lover.... wrote on Feb 10, 2010 4:02 PM:

" Scott and Julia - You two are truly what the Pierre/Ft. Pierre community and Humane Society is all about! Thank you so much for your generosity!!!

To Former Memeber - spell check!! "

Current Member wrote on Feb 10, 2010 3:48 PM:

" The last that I knew, the Humane Society is to try to save every animal possible. I am glad you are former member, as a building is not as important as the animals are. I have not known of any offer for free land nor other really big donations. I myself have seen where the money goes, I have yet to see the money spent in any other way than to benefit the homeless animals. Thanks go out to the Scott and Julia "

Animal Lover wrote on Feb 10, 2010 9:10 AM:

" To Former Member:

Sounds like you are a disgruntled "former member" Things didn't go your way?
I personally want to thank the current volunteers for all they do.
Scott and Julia, you are wonderful, Thank You. "

Miley wrote on Feb 9, 2010 7:58 PM:

" now that is an act of love,
Julie & Scott are wonderful "

Rodney wrote on Feb 9, 2010 5:19 PM:

" Scott and Julie deserve the key to this town. What a wonderfull gift. "

CPH wrote on Feb 9, 2010 3:54 PM:

" Very generous of you Scott and Julia! What about the old econofoods building? Couldn't that be renovated to work for the Humane Society? It is a total shame to see it sitting there empty year after year. "

Kathy wrote on Feb 9, 2010 12:58 PM:

" I know Julie. It is a wonderful thing that she and her husband, Scott did. The Humane Society is in such dire need of a building of their own to house animals in. I hope more people and businesses will see this and also donate now. Maybe someday that dream of a no-kill shelter will come true. "

Former memeber wrote on Feb 9, 2010 8:14 AM:

" It is unfortunate that people are unaware of the financial situation at the Humane Society. The fact that they have had many large donations for a building in the past and wasted the money because they would not curb spending is virtually unknown. Also the City of Pierre has offered them free land, but they just keep trying to save every animal. I believe that is an unrealistic expectation. I wish everyone knew how the money was spent. It is also unfortunate that they treat their rank and file members with so little respect. "

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