Very good things are happening in the lives of unwanted, abused and neglected dogs in Shelby County, thanks to the selfless work of a bunch of people here.

Now, thanks to a $50,000 donation from the ASPCA, better things are ahead.

Friday night, about 75 staffers and friends of the Shelby Humane Society gathered at the YMCA’s Hargis Retreat in Chelsea to celebrate a program that has so far saved the lives of more than 3,400 dogs from Shelby County.

During the last four years, volunteers have transported dogs from the Shelby Humane’s shelter to New England — primarily New Hampshire and Maine — where new owners are often waiting at the shelters there for their arrival. Most of the dogs have been adopted in less than a week.

This program would not be possible without volunteers who give of their time, energy and money to take them to a place where they will find people who will love and care for them.

One of those at the event Friday night was Cydney Buchholz of Red Dog Sitting Services of Alabaster.

Cydney and her husband, Karl, provide pet sitting care for dogs and cats and other animals whose owners have to be away and want their pets to remain at home.

As lifelong pet lovers, the Buchholz and Red Dog donate 5 percent of their earning to hand-picked, local groups that are doing good works to better the lives of Shelby County animals.

The Buchholz and Red Dog Sitting Services have sponsored two van-loads of dogs from Shelby County to New England.

“I’ve worked with shelters before and this program is just awesome,” Cydney said. “It is above and beyond anything I’ve ever expected from a shelter. In a way, because of this transport program, they are really becoming a no-kill shelter, and that’s very important to us.”

To donate to a program that is making a real difference in the lives of innocent animals, visit Shelbyhumane.org.