A new group of animal lovers is changing the way the Peninsula serves pets.
“We want to be able to have a database of people that can handle emergency situations,” said Bob Tubbs, the creator of the Animal Friends of Williamsburg Facebook page. “We’re trying to establish that strong regional network that can provide support to shelters and animal control.”
When Tubbs retired, he said he found himself with a lot of extra time on his hands and he wanted to do something that helped, either do housework or he could do something for animals.
And the Animal Friends of Williamsburg Facebook page was born.
What started out as a place to share information about animal advocacy or connect with other animal lovers soon became a forum and support system for helping animals in need. Tubbs said the page has veterinarians, shelter employees and pet owners who are all looking to provide a better life for animals any way they can.
In July, this team of individuals came together and used their skills and resources to help the New Kent County Animal Control Department care for 34 animals, according to a news release from the group.
New Kent County Police Sgt. Elizabeth Rose said animals that were already in the shelter were transferred to other shelters to make room for the 31 standard poodles, two cats and a guinea pig. Rose said the county will not euthanize any of their animals to make space.
Rose said seizures of various sizes are common in most localities and they have had a few this year, adding when a resident reports seeing something where an animal’s living conditions are seemingly not up to code, the department will check out the location and decide whether or not the animals should be seized.
Because of the ongoing nature of the investigation, Rose could not give specifics about the living conditions but she described them as “pretty atrocious.”
Melissa Henry, shelter attendant, was a member of the Facebook group and posted in the forum seeking help with medical and grooming needs and donations, according to the news release.
“Imagine if you had your dog and then someone came to you and said ‘take care of 10 more dogs,’” Tubbs said. “You can imagine how overwhelming that would be.”
Within just four days, there were 30 people from the group who stepped forward to help and make sure all of the animals’ needs were addressed.
Lynn Creel, owner of Clip It Up Grooming, was one of the volunteers who helped take care of the animals’ grooming needs. Creel said the poodles’ hair was matted from being locked in a cage with their own excrement and they all had to be shaved.
“If you love animals you just couldn’t not do it,” she said. “It’s not their fault and they need people to help them and speak up for them. Nobody should treat anything like that. Ever.”
As a result of the group’s efforts in caring for the animals, New Kent County recognized Animal Friends of Williamsburg at a recent Board of Supervisors meeting. Tubbs said the volunteers received certificates of appreciation from the county.
Tubbs said he doesn’t want the group to stop growing. He wants the group to be a resource for animal lovers throughout the Peninsula.
“What we would like to do is expand it to be a switch to flip when local organizations and animal control come across these situations,” Tubbs said. “For them, I’m sure it’s nice to know there are people who can help.”
