Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) – We recently told you about the Fayette County Humane Society dealing with backlash over their daily code red status and shelter conditions.
They responded with a Facebook post addressing the pain of misinformation being shared about the shelter, its staff, and their animals.
“You want to break down and give up and call it quits,” said Executive Director Fallyn Wakefield. “But at the end of the day, we have these animals to care for, and we’re gonna continue to stay here. We’re gonna fight for these animals.”
Visit FCHS, they say — they have nothing to hide. If you want to see the camera footage, if you want to see the dogs.
“Come down to the shelter and see for yourself what we do here every single day,” Wakefield said. “Also, come down to the shelter at nine in the morning and then come back in the afternoon and see the difference that the kennels look like.”
For 10 years, Wakefield has devoted her life to the animals, and she says they have also helped her.
“Animal rescue work is a lot. You get compassion fatigue. You’re mentally exhausted,” said the executive director. “But at the end of the day, you come in here and see these dogs and cats, and it makes it worth it.”
According to the shelter, the things people say take a mental toll.
“But I’m not letting the hate win because that’s what’s going to take away from these animals,” Wakefield said.
There is much responsibility that goes into a shelter. They’ve been requesting help, and now almost twenty volunteers stopped by to make a difference: ‘We couldn’t be more grateful for your time, energy, and heart.’
“It’s not just cleaning. It’s rescue runs. It’s vet runs. It’s giving animals medications,” said the executive director. “It’s making sure they have what they need. It’s planning fundraisers.”
According to Wakefield, if you’re not happy with what you see, tell them.
“We’re open for community advice, but tired of being beat down,” she said. “At least come down to the shelter and make your own opinion.”
