ABOUT "FRIENDS"

                The Friends of Genesee County Animal Shelter Volunteer Group was formed in April 2007, the result of a single volunteer who believed the animals who were once loved by the people of Genesee County deserved better odds at a lifetime of happiness.  After visiting the Shelter to volunteer 3 or more times a week, she began to realize there were just 2 or 3 volunteers who came to the shelter, not enough for the many dogs and cats who are housed there. Within a very short time, she began to see an all too familiar pattern:

                Animals were being picked up as strays or stuffed in the overnight boxes out front. These animals were kept as strays for 7 business days, then, although they were eligible for adoption, most were euthanized (put down) because no one went to the Shelter to adopt.

                Owner surrendered animals were sometimes placed up for adoption but could also be euthanized immediately, even though the space was available and they were not aggressive because no one went to the Shelter to adopt.

                For the animals that did get placed up for adoption, the chances of being adopted were slim because (yes, again) NO ONE WENT TO THE SHELTER TO ADOPT.  Animals were not being marketed to the public or rescues. Basically, these unfortunate animals were brought to the Shelter and sentenced to quietly die because no one knew they were there.

                 Few residents came unless it was to purchase a license for their dog. People in Genesee County didn't even seem to realize the Shelter existed, although most were familiar with The Humane Society and seemed to think it was the Shelter.  After several weeks of volunteering and seeing beautiful dogs, puppies, cats and kittens being euthanized because no one knew they were there, the volunteer decided to take on the task of "getting the word out" for these unfortunate animals. Because of the enormous amount of work involved, she formed the Friends of Genesee County Animal Shelter volunteer group, counting on the many pet lovers in the county to rally behind and with her to help.    

                 At a Genesee County Board of Commissioner's meeting the first week in June, the Board granted FGCAS permission to work with Lloyd Gerhardt, Animal Control Director, to help achieve the goal of "reducing the amount of animals euthanized at the Shelter". This was the true beginning of our group. Since then, we have had several meetings with Mr. Gerhardt concerning several "steps" toward reaching our main goal.  While progress has been very slow, we are not deterred from achieving it.

                We have members who work mainly behind the scenes and also have members who go to the Shelter weekly to walk and play with the animals in the Adoption Rooms who don't get out otherwise. Even though many animals are still euthanized, we believe in showing kindness and love to them in their darkest hours.

                The Friends members are around for the "long run." We're a very dedicated group of people who hope to make "pound" attitude a thing of the past. Shelter animals know when they've been saved and will give a lifetime of love in return. We started out as a small, concerned group of Genesee County residents and are now taking steps to become an official non-profit organization.  FGCAS members range in age from 7 to over 60, all of us share a love of animals and a desire to make a difference at our Shelter.

                We want to make the Genesee County Animal Shelter a place where responsible pet owners find the pet of their dreams and pets can find the home that is perfect for them. We want Rescue "Incentives" for animals who are not adopted by the public within a set time. We want the people of Genesee County to be proud of their Shelter. We want to show the world just how great a Shelter pet and Shelter can be.

                If you'd like to join us in this uphill battle and make a difference, please contact us.