By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

CALERA – The Shelby Humane Society honored its volunteers with an appreciation dinner Saturday night at Timberline Golf Course.

Shelby Humane Society’s executive director, Jenny Miller, thanked the volunteers for their passion and dedication to the cause.

Miller also recognized the humane society’s board of directors, including President Bob McArdie, Vice President Robin Adams, Treasurer Victoria Arrand, Secretary Michelle Armaral, Jenifer Champ Wallis, Krista Conlin, Brittany Maness, Tamela Seymour, Jill Mixon and Cindy Templeman.

Miller also thanked the staff at Shelby Humane Society.

“They don’t do this job because it pays the best,” Miller said of the staff. “They do this job because they love the animals.”

Two volunteers were inducted into the Shelby Humane Society’s 10,000 Mile Club. Through the Shelter Partners program, volunteers drive animals for adoption to New Hampshire and Maine. Inducted into the club were Maness, who is also a board member, and Zach Miller, who is the husband of Jenny Miller.

In 2010, a total of 1,081 animals were transported from Shelby County to the northeast for adoption. Since the Shelter Partners program began, more than 4,400 animals have been transported.

The Shelby Humane Society is partnered with ASPCA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The ASPCA’s senior director of community outreach, Jodi Lytle Buckman, said ASPCA is “very proud” of the partnership with the Shelby Humane Society.

“Thank you so much,” Buckman told the volunteers. “Look at the strength and the love in this room. It’s what makes our jobs doable.”