The Potomac Highlands Dispatch - the online newspaper

Animal shelter to host 'Presents for Paws'
Christmas Eve morning program to benefit dogs and cats

By The Potomac Highlands Dispatch
CUMBERLAND, Dec. 19 -- On this Sunday morning, more than half a dozen people are gathered at the Allegany County Animal Shelter on Furnace Street.

Armed with leashes, mops, buckets and brooms, the squad-size army has a particular mission. The goal is to exercise as many of the animals as possible, get them outside of their small confines and, by socializing with them, help the animals become a little more adoptable.

There are other places Doty and her husband, Bill, could have been. But the Upper Homewood residents, who live just south of Mount Savage, felt they were in the best place possible to make a difference "because these dogs can't be anywhere other than the animal shelter right now," Cassie Doty said.

Doty said friend and fellow animal advocate Michelle Ingrodi, who launched a grassroots volunteer effort after posting a video on Facebook of several apparently abandoned dogs in a Cumberland neighborhood last month, gave her a good perspective to consider.

"It may be tough on us," Doty relayed from Ingrodi, "but it's even tougher on these dogs and cats to be here all by themselves. Even if you can't take one home, to be able to come out and walk them, get them outside, show them some affection ... That's what they need - just some time (and) love."

And for those who can't physically contribute to the volunteer effort, "donations are all good."

Jodi Sweitzer, head of the new Queen City Animal Rescue, promoted on Sunday morning a new Presents for Paws program intended to warm up the animal shelter, and its temporary residents, during the holiday season.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the day before Christmas, Sweitzer and several other volunteers will be at the shelter to accept gifts - chew toys, blankets and more- to benefit the animals.

Sweitzer said catnip for the felines and general chew toys and balls for the canines are very much in need.

In addition, "we're asking for outdoor kennels so that we would have more room to put the dogs outside," Sweitzer said. "That would be a great help."

For more information on volunteering, call the shelter at 301-777-5930 or email Sweitzer.