By Steffen Klenk
Since 1964, the Humane Society of Ocean City has been helping to transform the lives of countless shelter pets and their new forever home owners throughout our area. History states the shelter was started by two young kids who cared for stray dogs and cats in a garage; 55 years later, they are a non-profit, o-kill animal shelter, with the mission of providing the highest level of compassion and service to our animal friends. Their educational and innovative initiatives have earned them a spot as one of the top shelters in the country in 2002, according to Cat Fancy Magazine, and 2014 Shelter of the Year by Purina ProPlan.
Upon entering, there are brightly colored walls and bustling of staff members going about their chores, caring for resident animals. Also known as the “Big Red Barn”, the Humane Society provides the highest level of compassion and service. This past week, I had the opportunity to visit the staff and animals of our local shelter, meeting with Executive Director Bill Hollingsworth, Operations and Development Director Phil Bellucci, along with all the support staff and volunteers.
There are two full-time veterinarians on staff along with behavioral specialists who give one-on-one time with each animal and address and identify causes to certain types of habits. All animals that are brought in are checked out and up-to-date on vaccinations. This is also where you will find the local Animal Control office for the city of Ocean City. Their job is not only to pick up strays; they provide care for abused, neglected and abandoned animals and wildlife, while also caring for ones that are lost or injured.
The shelter also have a current cat population of up to 90 felines. Their cat room has several bright, inviting sunlit rooms where you will find colorful tabbies moving freely, levels for climbing, beds of many sizes, soft blankets, toys and active play time, such as chasing feather from a wand. The shelter is not just limited to dogs or cats. There have been occasional domestic rabbit and turtle cared for in the facility. There are many laughing smiles shared as everyone talks to each animal with words of kindness, encouragement and praise, ensuring each animal is addressed by their name.
The shelter can accommodate up to twelve dogs at any given time. Phil Bellucci says the mission is to get the dogs ready for their new forever home. “There’s a certain sense of passion and accomplishment. We’re the land of second chances. We’re all about enriching the life of the animals that come in.”
In addition to adoption services, the Humane Society is also a full-service veterinary center, providing essential treatment and medical services such as spaying and neutering, wellness care, dental check-ups and x-rays. Those who adopt from the shelter are offered a 10% discount on treatment for the lifetime of that pet. They also provide animal control and rescue services for Ocean City.
As a non-profit, The Humane Society of Ocean City relies on donations from the community. A variety of fundraising events are held throughout the year, including Steve & Cookie’s 22nd Annual Dog Show in Margate, held last Sunday. Dozens of canines, and their owners, showed up for the event which featured categories from most handsome and prettiest to obedient and best dressed. The organization recently held a Funday at Playland Castaway Cove, where guests were able to enjoy amusement rides at a reduced price, while helping our wonderful animal shelter raise over $10,000.
Last April, the organization raised $4,000 at its Grateful Pets concert, and up to 30 skaters took to Ocean City Skatepark this past June for their Skato for Kato fundraiser. On Friday, October 18th, HSOC will be hosting its first ever Woofstock concert inside the Adare Ballroom at Josie Kelly’s. The night will feature entertainment from local musicians Jeffery Gaines, Nancy Malcun and Katie Bailey. Tickets are $35 per person and maybe obtained by e-mailing info@hsocnj.org or by calling 609-398-9500 ext. 4.
The Humane Society of Ocean City is located at 1 Shelter Road, just off of Tennessee Avenue. Their shelter is open six days a week. Monetary donations are always welcomed, along with items from their wishlist are posted directly to their website, and new volunteers to share some heartfelt tie with the resident animals. Please visit them, in Ocean City or online at hsocnj.org.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
