The Humane Society of Morgan County (HSMC) has provided shelter animals with homes since 1994. Located at 1170 Fairground Road in Madison, the shelter houses a wide variety of dogs and cats needing forever homes.
The shelter recently reached its capacity for both dogs and cats. With 30 monthly adoptions, the humane society has found homes for about 150 animals this year.
Miranda Johnson serves as the current director of HSMC. She has been passionate about animal welfare since her teenage years and hopes to continue making a difference in the community.
“I have always found that there will never be enough help for animals,” Johnson said. “They can’t defend themselves. There will always be a need for animal welfare and help.”
According to Johnson, the intake of animals fluctuates throughout the year, but in the spring, numbers begin to skyrocket.
“When [dogs and cats] are pregnant, [the owners] do not want them anymore, so they’ll surrender them to the shelters,” she said. “We try to help as best we can with that.”
Because the Humane Society recently reached its maximum capacity, the site needs multiple donations, including cat litter, paper towels, grocery bags, and much more.
“We always need kitten food, and we always need dog food,” Johnson said. “Dawn dish soap is what we use to clean the kennels.”
With the shelter’s current large intake of dogs and cats, many have been in search of forever homes for a long time. Zelda, a 1-year-old Whippet mix who was just adopted this week, had been in and out of the shelter due to hyperactivity.
Johnson believes Zelda could use some training to help with her energetic behavior.
“She needs somebody who can be dedicated to her training,” she said. “She’s a great, friendly dog. She likes people, and she loves children.”
With three years of experience at HSMC, Jada Binion was promoted to manager earlier this year. As an avid animal lover, she has enjoyed working with the many dogs and cats on site. Regardless, she believes many people don’t realize the hard work put into the job.
“A lot of people think we are just coming in here, and we’re playing with animals, but no, we have to deal with serious cases, too,” Binion said. “We come together and try to get them as healthy as possible.”
Binion recalls wanting to work for the Humane Society due to her childhood experiences with animals.
“I have always been around animals since I was young, and they’ve always been my passion,” she said. “My babies that I have, they have always been my best friends, and I would not change it for the world.”
With the variety of animals Binion has met, she has encountered many in difficult situations. She recalls her experience with one dog named Shrek, who was malnourished when she arrived at the shelter.
“Being able to treat him and change his whole life around, seeing him still play with other dogs and run around, I think that’s part of what makes this job important,” Binion said. “No matter what we go through, I know we can all get through it and still make sure these animals go to a lovely home.”
Binion mentioned that HSMC is looking for a home for Gadget, a 5-year-old female domestic cat.
“Gadget is very sweet,” she said. “She just does not get along with other kitties, so she wants to be the center of attention.”
According to Johnson and Binion, the cat was adopted from the shelter as a kitten in 2019 but was returned last year for unknown reasons. She is currently in her 10th month in the shelter.
“We love on her as best as we can, even though it’s not the same as being in a home with your own person,” Binion said.
As many animals are at the Humane Society now, Binion believes individuals interested in adopting should come prepared.
“Definitely do your research and research the breed before you get it,” she said. “Every single breed has different personalities and different traits.”
HSMC will host a 30th-anniversary festival on June 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dog-friendly event will take place at 1311 Fairground Road in Madison, and more details will be announced soon on the HSMC Facebook page.