A Veterinary Love Story

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This is a medical love story. The Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia (HSSCG) provided 900 shelter animals and over a thousand public spay/neuter surgeries in 2015. The surgery is just the beginning of the care needed to keep animals healthy and adoptable -- and that is the goal. Animals need loving homes, lifetime families, in which the care that has been provided by HSSCG will be continued by the animals’ new guardians.

While animals are at their temporary home at HSSCG, everything is done to make animals as healthy as possible. This temporary home operates under a no-kill policy where they save all adoptable, healthy and treatable pets, until adopted. This often happens quickly, as adoption numbers have continued to increase for the last five consecutive years.  “Before you look for a pet, please visit us first.  We always have a wide variety of cats and dogs,” says Executive Director Virginia Schlegel, adding that pure breeds occasionally find their way to our shelter. Dr. Missy Weaver explains, “We get attached to these animals, and it’s very important to us that their adopters provide the love and care that we have while they’ve been at the Humane Society.”

Last year, HSSCG transferred in a 5-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix from Glynn County Animal Control. Penelope was diagnosed with mammary cancer. After surgery was performed, the medical staff knew she would need a long recovery, and a home to love her that had a family brave enough to care for this dog as a cancer recoverer. After HSSCG reached out to the community, an outstanding woman by the name of Leigh Langford, a breast cancer survivor herself, decided that Penelope would be just the right the companion for her. She understood the dog’s needs, and the recovery and adjustments needed. A perfect dog for a very special lady.

Bing, the tuxedo cat, was surrendered to HSSCG with two siblings. The three had been found abandoned by a family who tried to keep them, but were overburdened with their own pets. Bing was emaciated, and Dr. Weaver and the medical team determined that he was suffering from a chronic, autoimmune disorder. He was saved with expensive, prescription cat food that HSSCG purchases for such cases.  He quickly bulked up and is well adjusted. Bing is still waiting at the humane society for his forever home.

Mr. Smith, a beautiful Border Collie mix, was transferred to HSSCG from Jasper Animal Rescue Mission.  X-rays and other medical work-ups determined that he had a severe, rare bacterial infection that required six weeks of costly antibiotics.  Happily, he was adopted by Jeffrey Montaigne, owner of Coastal Kitchen, and is now having the time of his life!

Every dog that comes to HSSCG is tested for Heartworm Disease, and treated if diagnosed. Many of them test positive, like Dannika, the 2-year-old Shepherd mix. Numerous owners are unaware that Heartworm preventative is key to their dog’s health and longevity. Rumba, the Flat-Coated Retriever mix, has also been treated for Heartworm Disease, and was cured of a severe ear infection. As of this writing, he is still available. While Dr. Weaver handles most of the medical treatment and surgical cases, the facility also has the ability to refer pets in need of specialized services to other veterinary specialists in our community and beyond.

It is through money donated by individuals and given to our medical funds that HSSCG is able to raise the staggering $180,000+ needed annually to provide the best level of care that surrendered and homeless pets in our community deserve. The Al Holland Medical Fund has made impact for several years on the humane society’s ability to provide this care. This year we are introducing an additional medical fund, The Hugh Nunnally Medical Fund, to garner even more support for HSSCG’s medical needs. 

Hugh Nunnally graciously reached out to HSSCG as the community philanthropist he is known to be, and provided substantial support for the animals in our care. In addition to helping HSSCG, he’s known to be a community hero, having made significant contributions to Southeast Georgia Health Systems, and College of Coastal Georgia, just to name a few.

Even if you do not need animal services, our Humane Society shelter still needs you. Volunteer or donate – you’ll be surprised at the difference you will make in the lives of animals that need your support, and you will be emotionally rewarded for your time. For animals that still need homes, it’s never too late for you to step in and make a difference.

For more about HSSCG, its wonderful animals available for adoption, upcoming events, and fundraising opportunities, please visit their website at hsscg.org. You might find a love story of your own!