A GENEROUS DONATION — The Jefferson County Humane Society received a $15,000 donation from Wintersville Fire and Rescue officials Monday morning. Development manager Brandi DeNoon-Damewood and chief humane agent Nick Thayer, right, accepted the contribution from Fire Chief Rob Herrington. The chief explained tickets were sold during an online drawing for a Polaris side-by-side UTV. The donation will be used to cover medical expenses for the animals and assist with additional shelter costs. -- Julie Stenger

WINTERSVILLE — Whenever there is an immediate need for help, those with the Wintersville Fire and Rescue department are there, giving of their time and risking their very lives for the sake of helping others.

On Monday, those with the department responded to yet another plea for assistance. And again, they answered the call, with Wintersville Fire Chief Rob Herrington paying a visit to the Jefferson County Humane Society.

There was no need for a fire truck or rescue vehicle. Nor was there cause for volunteers or paramedics to join him at the nonprofit agency.

Herrington carried with him just a single piece of paper … a check for $15,000 made payable to the area’s animal shelter.

The chief explained how he had read in the news about the nonprofit agency rescuing several animals from hoarding situations at the beginning of January.

It was then that he realized something must be done to help support the shelter, to help support the ones who have no voice … the ones who cannot ask for help themselves.

That assistance came through an online drawing.

Wintersville Fire and Rescue added the humane society to its list of drawings that are found on its website and social media platforms, including Facebook and Youtube. The winner of the drawing would receive a Polaris 1000 side-by-side UTV. A total of 1,000 tickets were sold, equating to a $15,000 donation, with all of the proceeds going to the shelter. The live drawing announced Priscilla Cionni as the winner of the UTV.

“We’re just happy we could help out with some additional funding,” Herrington said.

Brandi DeNoon-Damewood, development manager at the humane society, stated the department’s donation could not have come at a better time.

She expressed her gratitude to the fire and rescue department, which came together to help raise money for the homeless animals.

As chief humane agent Nick Thayer put it, “No voice. No choice.”

Those four words summed up Thayer’s thoughts regarding the dogs and cats residing at the shelter, as well as the ones who are living in situations where neglect and abuse are ongoing.

Therefore, it is up to us to help them, Thayer exclaimed.

While all donations are greatly appreciated by humane officials, this particular gift from Wintersville Fire and Rescue was a special one — because they, too, are in need of funding.

“I am so grateful for their beautiful act of kindness and generosity,” DeNoon-Damewood said. “They are also in need of additional funding, so this means a lot for them to do this for us. Together, we truly are making a difference.”

The timing for the gift could not be better, she continued, saying the past two months alone have been “very straining on our resources.”

In addition to the multiple hoarding cases the humane society has responded to, including in the areas of Toronto, Mingo Junction and Steubenville, strays, rescues and animals that have been surrendered, have depleted the shelter’s resources and left officials once again with a shelter nearing full capacity.

The adoption or fostering of a dog is greatly needed right now, DeNoon-Damewood stressed, saying the shelter never euthanizes an animal for space. Those considering either option are asked to visit the shelter and meet the animals or go online and view the ones available. She added kitten season is around the corner and the nonprofit will soon be inundated with cats, including having to place many on a waiting list.

“Fostering is fantastic,” she commented.

What is most expensive for the nonprofit, however, is the costs incurred for medical treatments.

“Some of these cats and dogs are in horrible condition,” DeNoon-Damewood reflected, noting there are many who have never seen the inside of a vet before and have “major issues.” The cost to care for an incoming healthy animal can be anywhere from $400 to $500, she noted. So imagine the amount it would cost to care for an animal who has not been cared for and struggling with serious health problems.

All of the animals that come through the shelter receive medical care, as well as social rehabilitation, DeNoon-Damewood explained.

This includes deworming, spaying or neutering, vaccinating, microchipping and testing for heart worms. Animals which do not have heart worms are put on prevention medication, while those who test positive are given a lengthy treatment.

“We are so grateful to receive this beautiful gift,” DeNoon-Damewood stated. “I am humbled by the kindness and generosity of our community. When we need a little extra support, it is an amazing feeling to know we can count on our community, and this is such a selfless gift because Wintersville Fire and Rescue also relies on donations to operate.”

The humane society’s largest fundraiser of the year, Dueling Pianos, will provide another opportunity for the community to donate to the nonprofit.

Officials say this event is one they “significantly depend upon in order to operate,” as it helps to run all of the shelter’s programs.

This annual St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser will begin at 6 p.m. March 15 at the St. Florian Event Center. Tickets can be purchased through the shelter’s Facebook page, by calling (740) 314-5583 or by stopping at the shelter, located at 200 Airport Road.