DVE-News/TV reporters visit the Pike County Humane Society

DVE-News/TV reporters dropped by the Pike County Humane Society (PCHS) to interview Mr. Barry Heim. We were met by Heather, Kim, and Eileen. Kim brought us to the cat room, where we were met by about 25 cats!

The cats really enjoyed the visit by the DVE-News/TV reporter team. They also loved playing with the equipment and cords!

Kim agreed to be interviewed by us. Marilyn asked her why people should adopt pets from PCHS. She said the animals there understand the importance of being adopted and are grateful when they are taken in by a loving family. Sarah asked how old someone has to be to volunteer there. You need to be 14 years old or with a parent or guardian if you are younger.

Kim was asked how she got involved at PCHS. She got involved when she filled out the application and fell in love with all the animals. She was asked what her job was there, and Kim said she volunteers there and is on the board. Paris asked what her favorite part of her job, and seeing the animals get adopted is her favorite part. Layla asked what her favorite animal and she said she is a dog person

She also told us it costs about $35,000 per month to run PCHS.

Mr. Barry Heim dropped by while we were just wrapping up the interview with Ms. Kim. We learned that after being there for about 22 years, he believes he rescued about 10,000 animals. He feels joyful that he is doing God’s work in saving his creatures. He did tell us that he has a pigeon named Tinsel that has remained at PCHS for years. They tried to release him six times, but he keeps coming back to what is now his home.

There are 34 cats, 20-plus dogs, 5 rabbits, and one pigeon currently at PCHS. They rescue dogs and cats the most. They are able to find homes for most of the animals. People come to adopt cats the most.

Anyone can volunteer

We were told that anyone can come to volunteer and can even earn community service hours if needed. PCHS works with everyone. After being with PCHS for 22 years, the hardest part of Mr. Heim's job is sometimes the animals they rescue are very sick or have cancer. It hits everyone hard when the animals get sick. PCHS does help with medical treatments, but sometimes a dog is too sick to undergo treatment.

Mr. Heim feels adopting rescued pets is special because the animals feel the love that people have for them. Many people like to help the shelter and hold fundraisers to help with expenses. PCHS just put in a new generator that will help greatly when the power goes out. Some of the fundraisers held have been pennies for puppies, dimes for dogs, coins for kittens, change for a change.

Also, the Boy and Girl Scouts will occasionally help by fulfilling their special awards in scouting. Mr. Heim showed us the "Catio" the Boy Scouts made for the rescued cats. Mr. Heim said he welcomes any possible help for PCHS.

He did tell us that he and his wife personally have 26 dogs! He loves them all.

Thank you Mr. Heim. We will be seeing you again!

By DVE-News/TV reporters Marilyn Marty, Sarah Gilpin, Atisha Joannou, Rylee Nitecki, Paris Machado, Layla Garrity, Keira LeMay