Being passionate about something can cause people to do some pretty drastic things. Like signing a note saying you’ll personally pay a bank if you can’t raise the funds to pay off a new building.

This is exactly what five members of the Statesboro and Bulloch County Humane Society did when they decided the county needed its own animal shelter.

The Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch County was created in 1981 by a local Catholic priest and a couple of animal lovers, and to this day remains a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers.

Many of the volunteers juggle both their daily lives as well as their rescue work. ­“I have a part time job, so I have more time to devote to the humane society than many of our members,” Carrie Mitchell, past society president, said.

When asked about her day to day, Mitchell said she assists the current president, answer phones, handle calls related to the cat rescue, coordinates transports to no kill shelters with the Atlanta Humane Society and in the past she has even coordinated the dog rescue.

The Society has two annual events. A silent auction in June and a ‘Raise the Woof’ comedy show in November which helps to raise money for the Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch County. They have at least two adoption events at Petco every month. The proceeds from their thrift shop, ReTails, benefits their spay and neuter program, The $20 Fix.

The $20 Fix works with the Spay Neuter Alliance and Clinic (SNAC) to help provide low cost options to the community. Students are among the many who can benefit from The $20 Fix, as well as low income families and others who adopt from the county animal shelter.

“I personally liked the SNAC program. It was well done work and they made it easy as long as you had your own ducks in a row,” Emily Kingsmill, senior exercise science major, said.

The number of animals in their care varies from around 25 to 50, but has been over 60 before. They have managed to either rescue or transport over 400 animals to no-kill shelters in 2015.

Since the Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch County doesn’t have its own building they house their animals in foster homes, and they keep some of their cats at Petco so people can see them. The pets are also posted on Petfinder and the society’s Facebook page.

“For anyone who wants to get involved we love and need new members. We have monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church,” Mitchell said. They are mostly informational and consist of current and future goals so it is a good place for newcomers.

Any skill can be useful to the society. Connie Mabry is the volunteer in charge of thank you notes and writes anywhere from 250 to 300 cards a year.

“I’ve been able to improve my calligraphy this way and the creative aspect really is enjoyable too,” Mabry said.

A few other things the Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch County does is take last chance animals from the shelters where they would have otherwise been put to sleep. Volunteer’s help with rehoming pets, educating people on the importance of spaying and neutering their animals and even feeding pets in need.

If you are interested in volunteering, want to adopt or are curious about the society’s programs, this information and more can be found at www.statesborohumane.org.

Pet Preview

Name: King

Breed: Pitbull Mix

Gender: Neutered Male

Bio: He is a sweet, playful boy who is full of energy. So far he gets along with cats, other dogs and people. He is currently living in a foster home and learning all of his manners. He is fully vetted and microchipped.