NEWS - Economic Development

By Lou Phelps
SBJ,.com Staff Report

Jan. 28, 2009 -- One of Savannah’s most active and important non-profit groups, The Humane Society Savannah/Chatham (HSGS), has announced that the organization is changing its name to the Humane Society for Greater Savannah.

The name change is intended to better describe its geographical service area and to distinguish it as a private non-profit organization. According to Ruth Bowyer Weimar, board president, “Community feedback indicated that having ‘Chatham’ as part of the name was leading to the misperception that the organization received some degree of government funding. Additionally, the name led to confusion with the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Animal, Control, the animal enforcement agency funded by taxpayer dollars.”

The animal welfare organization provides care and treatment, and finds new homes, for more than 3,500 pets in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties annually, as well as other area counties. The organization receives no public funding from Chatham County or the Federal government, sustained through a myriad of fundraising activities and private contributions.

The name change is one of a series of planned changes designed to provide improved service to the animals and citizens living in the Greater Savannah area, according to the 12-member board of directors, in a press release issued Wednesday.

HSGS is solely funded locally through private or corporate donations and periodic special fundraising efforts including “Mutt Strut” and the “Doggie Carnival.”

The 12-member Board of Directors governing the organization approved the name change in November as part of a recently completed three-year strategic plan. A new mission statement was also adopted, which states, “ The mission of the Humane Society for Greater Savannah is to lead our community in the compassionate treatment of animals, to address the cause of animal suffering and overpopulation, to educate and encourage people to take responsibility for their animal companions and to provide care for animals in need.”

The 2010 board members include board President Ruth Bowyer Weimar, Vice President Mary Peabody, Secretary Meredith Gaunce, Treasurer Ray Williams, Becki Cannon, Nevy Clark, Connie Gabrielli, Beth Martin, DVM, Elizabeth Miller, M.D., William Norse, Fawn Smiley, Judge Claire Cornwell Williams, Eric Zimmerman, Director Emeritus - Gloria Leonard and Executive Director, Lynn Gensamer.

The Humane Society accepts owner surrendered animals and is open for viewing and adoption Mon to Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sun from 12 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pets are accepted for intake on Tues to Fri from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m; Sat 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sun from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Humane Society's website provides tips to pet owners detailing responsibilities on how to care for and keep animals safe and healthy.

Microchip and Low Cost Shot Clinics are also held throughout the year.

For more information about the Humane Society, the organization's thrift shop, and how you can help, go to http://www.HumaneSocietySAV.or call 912-354-9515.