FROM STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBIANA — Training wheels are coming to Shelby County, but it’s not the kind you put on a bike.

With funding provided by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Training Wheels, the national mobile outreach program, has come to Shelby Humane Society.

Jane Kopelman, founder of the nationwide program, came to Alabama to train Shelby Humane Society staff June 27-28. The training comes as part of the Shelby Humane Society’s newest initiative to implement a grass-roots program to reach out into the community and provide services to members of the public.

The ASPCA has not only provided the necessary funds to have Training Wheels come to Shelby Humane Society, but is also providing the funding for a new Training Wheels Coordinator who will operate the program, Meghan Wayman.

Wayman will be visiting neighborhoods across the county, providing services to pet owners and making connections with pet owners while offering help and compassion.

Her goal is to bring shelter services to the community instead of waiting for pet owners to come to the shelter.

The Training Wheels van carries leashes, collars, tags, treats, doghouses, crates, litter boxes and other materials to aid pet owners and improve the quality of life of the pets in our community.

Being in the community helps Shelby Humane Society to identify areas of need or highest-problem areas and provide information to those most in need. Through this program, Shelby Humane Society is able to provide information about spaying and neutering to those we have historically not been able to reach.

If you or anyone you know could use the assistance of Training Wheels, contact Meghan Wayman at 669-3916 ext. 30 or mwayman@shelbyhumane.org.