The Animal Friends Westmoreland Shelter Gives Animals a Second Chance

I am participating in the Fenced In By Love by Dog Fence DIY 2014 awards and I nominate The Animal Friends of Westmoreland in Greensburg, PA.

Each year, between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats are surrendered to animal shelters — and these ones are the lucky ones. Others are left to fend for themselves on the streets, in the cold. (I seriously tears in my eyes while writing this!) Some will find a loving forever home, whereas some will not.

“The Animal Friends of Westmoreland is committed to the vision of a no-kill shelter and being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Our mission is to help abandoned, abused and neglected animals and our passion is to educate the public to spay and neuter, to spread awareness on embracing pet adoption and to inspire others to become animal advocates. Join us and be a voice…” Candy Nelson, president The Animal Friends of Westmoreland

It is for this reason that individuals such as Candy Nelson and organizations such as The Animal Friends of Westmoreland are so vitally important. Candy founded The Animal Friends of Westmoreland in 2006 as a place to house abandoned, abused, neglected and otherwise displaced animals and provide food, shelter, veterinarian care and love until new loving, forever homes can be found.

Just one example of the good works The Animal Friends of Westmoreland does in the community is their work during the recent polar vortex. Twice this year already, Western Pennsylvania has experienced the polar vortex phenomenon. During these times, we have gotten several inches of snow and temperatures plunged to 1 degree with wind chills of -20 degrees. Unfortunately, in the county where we live there are a lot of rural areas and often dogs are left tied out in these areas.

The Animal Friends of Westmoreland team mobilized during these times, staffing the shelter 24 hours a day in order to take calls and for intakes of strays during the freezing temperatures. The shelter also served law enforcement during this time in case any officers came across any animals left outside in the cold. In addition, teams of volunteers canvassed the county, checking on outside dogs and making sure they have food, water and straw. It was the shelter’s mission that no dog would die alone in the cold.

At the helm of this organization is founder and president, Candy Nelson. She oversees the direction, operational aspects and financial responsibilities of the shelter.  She also organizes and chairs the organization’s five major fundraiser events. Her undying dream was to breathe life into The Animal Friends of Westmoreland and create a no-kill animal shelter that would be a voice for those who cannot speak. Candy has a heart for the senior and special needs dogs, and has always felt strongly about helping the less adoptable animals.

I feel that The Animal Friends of Westmoreland and Candy Nelson should be awarded the 2014 Fenced In By Love by Dog Fence DIY Award because of the tireless good works they do for area animals.

It’s simple — Animal Friends of Westmoreland, as a no-kill animal shelter, depends on donations to help as many animals as they can. If you would like to donate, so Animal Friends of Westmoreland can rescue more animals you can do so by going here. In addition to the dogs, Animal Friends of Westmoreland also has number of adoptable cats. If you would like to adopt any one of these lovable animals you can fill out an application here.

Do you have an animal rescue volunteer and/or organization you would like to nominate? Complete details at Fenced In by Love 2014 – Dog Rescue Organization and Volunteer Of The Year – Great rewards for all participants and for the winning nominations in various categories.

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