ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Animal Shelter hosted its Red, White, and Rescue Memorial event Saturday in hopes of getting animals adopted while also giving the community a chance to support local vendors.
“Today I really wanted to tap into the community and reach out to local vendors and people. I really wanted to help other people out and help us out at the same time,” said Sheccid Heaton, kennel tech and event coordinator. “We can get adoptions, but my main concern is how I can help other people.”
Heaton said the event was designed to benefit both the shelter and local businesses.
“I appreciate everything that we get donated. So many people do things for us, so I’m like ‘alright, let me try and help these other people out too,’” Heaton explained.
The Memorial Day theme also held personal significance for Heaton, who said several members of her family have served in the military.
“My dad’s in the military. My great grandfather, who I was raised by was a veteran in World War II. We got to remember those who have done their part,” said Heaton.
The shelter currently houses 24 cats and 50 dogs and is operating at maximum capacity.
Heaton said fostering is one way community members can help relieve overcrowding and improve animals’ chances of adoption. Even short outings can make a difference for shelter pets, she said.
“Fostering helps a lot. I understand that not everybody has the time or has the space, or has the capability of dealing with a shelter dog,” Heaton said. “Sometimes they need a little bit more attention, but they can come by and take them out for a few hours.”
The shelter is closed Mondays and open Tuesdays from 1-5 p.m., Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The shelter is closed Saturdays and Sundays.
In addition to fostering, Heaton encouraged residents to support the shelter through donations and social media engagement.
“Donations help. Just sharing our posts on Facebook helps a lot. Anything that anybody can do that gets us out helps,” Heaton said.
Heaton said the shelter is always in need of cleaning supplies, including bleach, OdoBan, Rescue kennel cleaner and laundry detergent. Other needed items include cat litter, puppy and kitten food and old towels.
“We use anything, we will never say no to a donation because we will find a way to use it,” said Heaton.
Heaton said she hopes to organize more events for the shelter in the future and encouraged residents to follow the Richmond County Animal Shelter on social media for updates on upcoming events.
Additional Memorial Day events are scheduled throughout Richmond County during the next two weeks. VFW Post 4203-Rockingham will host a Memorial Day ceremony Saturday, May 23, at Veterans Memorial Park alongside American Legion Post 147 and AMVETS Post 316. Following the ceremony, Post 4203 and its auxiliary will serve hamburgers and hot dogs.
The town of Norman will host its Norman Field of Honor Memorial Day program Saturday, May 30, at 11:30 a.m.