The Humane Society of Kent County welcomed new Executive Director Terri Wilkes on Tuesday, March 6. Max Ruehrmund, Humane Society Board President, said, “We are delighted to have found Terri; she has the skills, experience and temperament to do an outstanding job for our community and the animals we serve. Not only has she worked at our shelter previously, she was instrumental in founding the Caroline County Humane Society.
The Humane Society of Kent County’s shelter faces many challenges: we need a new or renovated facility, increased funding, a better shelter management system to track our animals, and an improved information management system. These issues, plus the County’s ever-present feral cat problem, demand a look to a new future for the Humane Society. We are confident Terri has the capability and outlook to lead us into that new future.”
In addition to Wilkes’ experience with humane societies in Kent and Caroline Counties, Terri, a Centreville resident, has been a rescue volunteer with the Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue. Immediately prior to accepting the position here, Wilkes was a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Case Worker with Delmarva Family Resources in Centerville, MD.
In her first meeting with the local Humane Society’s Board of Directors, Wilkes commented, “I’ve always enjoyed working with animals and my experience in sheltering only fueled my passion to improve the lives of animals and humans in my community. I have learned that many aspects of human behavior are rooted in animal welfare issues. Addressing the change needed in a pet owner’s behavior can often reduce neglect and improve humane education. Simply working with pet owners to help them understand pet behaviors and demonstrating appropriate changes to effect positive change, can make the difference in whether an animal is retained or abandoned by the family.”
The Humane Society invites community members to visit the Shelter, at 10720 Augustine Herman Highway, to meet its new Director. The shelter is now open 10:00 to 5:00, Tuesday thru Thursday, 10:00 to 4:00 on Fridays, and from 10:00 to 2:00 on Saturdays. Appointments can be made outside of normal visiting hours by contacting the shelter and they are always looking for additional volunteers.
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