On Wednesday, Feb. 20, Greenbrier Humane Society (GHS) announced the five-year anniversary of not euthanizing animals for space.

Because of a broken crematory at that time, GHS decided to forego costly repairs. Therefore, the crematory equipment has not been used since then.

To keep dogs and cats from remaining in kennels for extended periods or not having enough room for them, GHS began working closely with several rescue groups to find homes for the many unwanted animals. This liaison has expanded to dozens of rescue group partners throughout several states. Reaching out to rescues, some of which rescue particular breeds, ailments, or age ranges, provide opportunities for adoptions in a variety of other geographic areas. At times GHS delivers animals to a rescue group, while some groups pick up animals at the GHS facility.

The many hours of work put into finding rescue groups is well worth the efforts, which allow animals to go to an adopter elsewhere, rather than live in the GHS kennels indefinitely. It is imperative to the current GHS board, administration, and staff that a strong partnership with rescue groups is maintained.

Thanks to all the many donors, volunteers, and staff who make the animals’ stay at Greenbrier Humane Society as comfortable as possible. Although staff adopts out and finds rescue groups to take most animals, generous and compassionate volunteers and staff see that the animals remaining at GHS are exercised, participate in play groups, are walked, and enjoy hand-made treats.