Submitted Photo | Community Common

Pictured are (LtoR) Jackie Servidea, Secretary; Linda Howell, Chairperson; Amber Davis, Vice Chairperson, with Bunny; and Judy Cooper, Treasurer.

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The Animal Welfare League of Scioto County was incorporated in 1985 as a non-profit animal advocacy organization devoted to improving the lives of animals in the Portsmouth area.

Current trustees are Linda Howell, Amber Davis, Jackie Servidea and Judy Cooper. Officers are Linda Howell (chairperson), Amber Davis (vice chairperson), Jackie Servidea (secretary) and Judy Cooper (treasurer).

Meetings are held monthly at the Portsmouth Public Library, except July and August. Community members are welcome to attend meetings or join the group.

For over twenty years the Animal Welfare League has been providing reduced-rate spay/neuter certificates to low income and fixed income households in our immediate area. This past year, we helped to spay or neuter 90 pets, compared to 55 pets in 2011. Thanks go to the help we receive from our local veterinarians and generous donations. If you know of anyone in need of financial help to spay or neuter their pets, encourage them to call 858-2446. They will need to fill out an application and provide proof of income.

The League also helps to promote Spay Day which is held the last Tuesday of February each year. Reduced-rate spay and neuter certificates must be purchased from local veterinarians on that day and can be used any time during the year. Certificates are available to anyone, regardless of income.

The Animal Welfare League encourages any potential dog owner to check out the dogs available at the Pound before looking elsewhere. For an adoption fee of $72, dogs are spayed or neutered and receive a 2013 dog tag. Several rescue groups continue to work with the pound in finding homes for our sheltered dogs outside our immediate area. To learn about the dogs that are available for adoption at the county pound, refer to www.petfinder.com on the internet, or contact the Dog Pound at 353-8802.

On Sunday, October 7th, the League in conjunction with the three Catholic churches west of the Scioto River sponsored the fifth annual pet blessing, where pet medals and prayer cards provided by the League were presented to each participant. The event takes place at Holy Trinity Hall, Pond Creek, in remembrance of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and is usually held the first Sunday of October and is open to everyone.

?The sixth annual Pet Photos with Santa event was held on Saturday, December 1st, with the help of John and Phyllis Rice of Portsmouth Feed and Supply, with approximately 42 groups participating, some with more than one pet.

The League continues to be a participant in the Kroger Rewards Program. Our rewards number is 84688. By participating in this program, we receive a donation from the Kroger Company every time a Kroger Plus card is used in our name. If you need instructions on how to enroll please call 858-2446. Those who are already enrolled need to re-enroll after April 1, 2013. Thanks to all who are taking part in this program.

Our 26th annual vaccination clinic will tentatively be held the first Saturdays of May and June. Local veterinarians will offer reduced rate shots and heartworm testing at several locations throughout the county The clinics are not based on income but open to everyone. It’s a great way to keep your pet’s shots and heartworm testing up to date at a reduced price. Be sure to check the newspapers, radio stations and fliers for further details. We are always in need of volunteers to help make the clinics run smoothly. If you would like to offer your assistance for a few hours, please call 858-2446.

The Animal Welfare League of Scioto County could not be as successful without our members and donors, etc. Membership fees are $7.00 per year, and all donations are tax deductible. This past year, we received business donations from Remember When Antiques, Scioto County Farm Bureau and Joseph Spencer Daughters of the American Revolution. The e-mail address for the League is coopserv@frontier.com.

Thanks is extended to all those who have donated and to those businesses who allow us to place donation cans at their place of business.