‘Ambassadog’ heads up Albany Humane Society’s holiday fund drive

ALBANY — The Albany Humane Society launched its fundraising year on Giving Tuesday, and it couldn’t have a cuter face for the effort than that of Delta, a dog recently removed from an abusive situation who is now looking for her forever home.

As the organization’s “ambassadog,” the bulldog mix has turned out to be loving and friendly and is definitely up for adoption, shelter Executive Director Lulu Kaufman said.

“She’s had several calls on her,” Kaufman said. “(Dougherty County) Animal Control went out several times and issued citations. She was chained and couldn’t get (access) to food and water. She couldn’t even lie down.”

Unfortunately, Delta’s case is not a rarity for the shelter, which has been designated as a no-kill facility, and caring for animals that often arrive in need of veterinary care comes at a cost.

During the current “Meet the Match” fundraising drive, the first $5,000 donated will be matched by donors who have put up an equal amount, shelter Development Director Samantha Threadgill, said.

“This is our kickoff to the fundraising year,” she said. “For this specific event, the goal is $5,000 so that it will turn into $10,000 right away.”

The Humane Society in Albany contracts with the city of Albany and with Dougherty County to house dogs brought in as strays or in cases involving dangerous or vicious dogs.

Housing those dogs and other dogs that end up at the shelter takes 2,000 pounds of dry dog food per month, Kaufman said.

Delta’s story has so far turned out positive. The owner did not challenge her seizure and try to reclaim her, so she is getting lots of love and attention from shelter employees.

“Now we can find her a better life,” Kaufman said.

Individuals can make monetary donations online at https://bit.ly/AlbanyHu maneDogDaysofSummer, in person at the shelter or by mail to 1705 W. Oakridge Drive, Albany, Ga. 31707 with “Giving Tuesday” in the reference field.

Special Photo: Albany Humane Society