By JAN GRIFFEY / Editor

Jenny Wilson showed us in Shelby County how to promote an animal shelter.

Wilson served as the executive director of the Shelby County Humane Society, which operates the county’s animal shelter, for about two years. On June 1, she began a new job as director of resource development at Mitchell’s Place.

Our loss is their gain.

During her tenure at the Shelby County Humane Society, it has enjoyed a much-needed renewal of energy and enthusiasm, brought about by Wilson’s expertise in marketing and public relations.

The staff at the Humane Society, led by Sara Shirley, director of operations, has always been some of the most hard-working, dedicated and caring around. Wilson worked to bring the good works of the Humane Society staff and volunteers to the forefront of those of us in Shelby County.

Under Wilson’s directions, adoptions fees decreased and community adoption programs increased, which means more of Shelby County’s neglected, abused and abandoned animals found their way to their forever homes and a better life.

That’s something for which we all can be thankful. And we can honor Wilson and her work by continuing to remember, volunteer for and give to the Shelby County Humane Society.

Its work will not be complete until all of the animals of Shelby County are treated humanely and have an opportunity for a life free of abuse, neglect and fear.

We can help in so many ways — by volunteering at the Shelter to help socialize animals, by buying extra cat litter or paper towels when we shop and donating them to the Shelter, by remembering the Shelter when we have money to give, and by supporting events like this weekend’s Bark and Wine.

The Shelby Humane Society’s third annual Bark and Wine is Saturday from 6-9 p.m. at Eagle Point Golf Club. Tickets are $40 for individuals and $60 for couples, and the event will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, various wines and non-alcoholic drinks and entertainment by Billy Gant. The event will also feature a live and silent auction of a variety of items, include lots of sports memorabilia.

For more information, or to buy tickets online, visit Shelbyhumane.org.

Jan Griffey is the editor for the Shelby County Reporter. She can be reached at 669-3131 ext. 36 or by email at jan.griffey@Shelbycountyreporter.com.