SHOHOLA, PA — The Pike County Humane Society (PCHS) has lately been under tremendous pressure on several fronts: it is in serious need of funds; the shelter is always or nearly always full; and there have been questions regarding their handling of finances, which at one point left Shohola believing that over $120,000 was missing from the shelter’s books. However, after sitting down together and auditing the books with PCHS director Barry Heims and the shelter accountant, Shohola supervisors seemed confident that the financial records are, in fact, adding up and were impressed with many aspects of the shelter.

Secretary Diana Dillberto Blume was particularly impressed with their fundraising records; it is a rare weekend that the shelter is not holding an event of some kind in the area.

During the meeting, held an hour prior to the regular Shohola municipal meeting on August 13, Heims and other staff members detailed what they see as the advantages PCHS has over other shelters. It is a “no kill” shelter and the only one of its kind in the area. This does not mean that no animals are euthanized at all; those whose health holds no quality of life or who have shown dangerously aggressive behavior must be euthanized either for their own, or society’s safety and wellbeing. The shelter will euthanize aggressive animals if that aggressiveness can be proven without a doubt, while most veterinarians will not. However, the shelter makes great efforts to save animals that others would have euthanized. Many animals hit by vehicles or otherwise injured have been brought in and saved by veterinarians who work with the society. The shelter offers frequent immunization clinics and low cost neutering.

Shelter staffers said they do get help with supplies. The Tobyhanna Walmart Depot has provided the shelter with food that they cannot sell due to damaged packaging or other issues that do not affect the quality of the food. Lowes has donated both construction materials and building assistance for the shelter’s Kitty Kottage. Other shelters generally have their animals caged, which can lead directly to behavioral issues. All the cats at Pike County Humane Society that have been neutered and vaccinated live communally. The cats now have an outdoor space for their use as well. They are socialized with each other and visited by staff and volunteers to ensure that they receive human interaction as well.

Heims said the dogs are also treated well. He said those that are able get ample exercise time in an enclosed space and are socialized with other dogs within each dog’s tolerance. Care is taken in assessing the dogs’ behavioral issues upon acceptance. Several dogs that were considered “unadoptable” for one reason or another are permanent residents of the shelter.

The discussion promoted a resident to say that cat people are not necessarily dog people, and vice/versa, and that the cats are housed in an area accessible only by walking through areas where many dogs roam about. Heims acknowledged that this is an issue and said he has plans to make major changes to the shelter. His said his goal is “to have the best shelter in the country.” He said he has several new animal wardens and two new veterinarian technicians trained, and he has plans to build a full medical facility on the site.

Residents who would like to adopt an animal, make a donation of money or supplies, ask about services, or would like to volunteer can contact the society at 570/296-7654. Although hours are posted, call ahead as the shelter may at times be closed for bad weather or special events.