LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO LOVE HIM — Meet Bear, a 2-year-old huskey and Pomeranian mix who will be put up for adoption at the Jefferson County Humane Society in Wintersville. Welcoming Bear, along with his siblings and mother, were, from left, humane agent Kevin Dennis, chief humane agent Nick Thayer and development manager Brandi DeNoon-Damewood. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — The animals keep coming.

We hear the heartbreaking stories regarding dogs and cats that have come into the Jefferson County Humane Society. We even know some of their stories. But what you don’t hear about too often are the other animals this nonprofit organization helps when the need arises.

With the exception of wildlife, every animal imaginable receives help from the shelter. Such is the case of two horses the agency retrieved. Both animals were in dire need of immediate medical attention, according to development manager Brandi DeNoon-Damewood. Each was foundered, both were lame. Their hooves so deplorable there would be no way for the animals to walk. It was the worst case De-Noon-Damewood said she has ever seen. And one’s teeth are in terrible condition.

“We investigate everything,” she began. “But we do not have a barn or stable and are only set up for cats and dogs, so we depend on the community to come together and help us save these animals.”

It was through the community’s generosity that the horses were able to be transported to their new location after an area resident volunteered to loan the agency their horse trailer. And it is because of another’s generosity that these horses are now being fostered while receiving the care and attention they need to become free from their excruciating pain. While not a lot can be commented on about the situation at this time, the nonprofit has made a plea to the community to help them assist with the costs it has incurred for caring for the horses. Its goal is to raise $2,500, DeNoon-Damewood said, noting they are working with a large animal vet. In addition to the care mentioned, the horses have had to receive vaccinations and be dewormed. She noted it takes a long time to care for the hooves because of their condition, and it is a process as only so much can be done at a time.

HELPING HORSES IN NEED — Community members donated their horse trailer to the Jefferson County Humane Society to aid the agency in retrieving horses in need of medical attention. Taking part were, from left, Serenity Walker, Halie Dayton, humane agent Nick Thayer, Robin Wedlake and Kat Eddy. -- Contributed

The horses have even been added to the humane society’s Valentine’s Day fundraiser, an annual event which this year, has set a goal of raising $1,000.

Approximately $800 has been raised to date, DeNoon-Damewood stated. Anyone who is interested in contributing to the Valentine’s Day fundraiser can visit the shelter’s Facebook page or call the shelter to make a $5 donation. Donors can specify the animal they would like to see receive a special treat. Homemade peanut butter dog treats are mixed with dog food. Horses will receive an apple or carrot, DeNoon-Damewood said.

The agency’s largest fundraiser of the year, Dueling Pianos, is an event which officials say they significantly depend upon in order to operate, as it helps to run all of its programs. The annual St. Patrick’s Day event will be held March 15 at the St. Florian Event Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

“This is our lifeline,” DeNoon-Damewood said. “We really need to be successful this year. We have had some major expenses with vet care. It costs a lot, but we can’t turn our backs on them. So the first thing we do — first and foremost — is give them the care they need so we can fix them.” Tickets are on sale at the cost of $45 each and can be purchased by calling or visiting the shelter or its clinic, on its Facebook page or Hauser’s Furniture. Various levels of sponsorships are available for purchase for local businesses and groups wanting to reserve a table. For tickets or information, contact the nonprofit at (740) 314-5583.

And the animals keep coming.

Meet Bear, a 2-year-old husky and Pomeranian mix. Bear, along with his two siblings and mother, were brought in to the humane society by chief humane agent Nick Thayer. But it wasn’t your typical rescue.

Thayer explained he was searching for the horse farm regarding the two horses in question and needed to stop and ask someone for further directions.

Along the route, he recognized the home of a man whom he had previously met and decided to stop and inquire where to find the farm. Not only did Thayer walk away from the home with his directions, he left with something else … four dogs. Three siblings and a mother. The man with whom Thayer met with explained he did not have time to take care of his pets. He stated he is currently overwhelmed with caring for his family members, all of which are struggling from different forms of cancer. Having to travel to Pittsburgh and doctors appointments has left little time for the animals’ care.

Thayer transported the dogs to the humane society, where two have already been adopted. Bear has not yet been advertised but will be up for adoption soon, De-Noon-Damewood said.

And still, the animals kept coming.

Thayer stated hoarding situations led to his picking up 10 cats from Mingo Junction and 10 cats in Toronto within a three-day period, adding 20 additional felines to the agency’s cat population. This, combined with the dogs and horses, have led to a busy time for the shelter. Thayer stated those who work and volunteer for the humane society are like a three-legged animal … if one of us fails, we all fail, he commented.

DeNoon-Damewood stressed that is why it is so important for everyone, including members of the community, to work together toward the same purpose — doing whatever we can do to help the animals who have no voice. Despite having only room to house the county’s cats and dogs, the shelter still does all that it can for every animal, no matter the cost. “We go beyond these limitations,” DeNoon-Damewood concluded. “We are their voice. So please, if you see or hear anything, call us.”