The McKenzie Garden Club met Friday, August 24 at the home of Judy McCadams. Hostesses were Judy McCadams and Myra Sasser.

Dr. Sarah Kidd, history professor at Bethel College and also on the board of Carroll County Humane Society was our guest. The shelter is a non-profit organization supported by private donors and a yearly fundraiser at the Cumberland Presbyterian church, which usually brings in about $20,000 dollars. This money is used for vaccinations, heart worm testing and treatment.

The shelter receives between 900 and 1,000 animals per year. This number has increased from 35-80% since 2003. There are seven volunteers who foster dogs and cats when the need arises. Dr. Kidd estimated the cost to feed these animals is $700 per month. The Carroll County shelter partners with Pet Source in Murray, Kentucky, and Pet Smart in Jackson. These two shelters take cats. They are then taken by a climate-controlled trailer to Connecticut, where they are then adopted.

The McKenzie shelter has an area where pets can be spayed or neutered. Veterinarians from Paris and Huntingdon alternate to do these procedures. Cost to spay or neuter a dog is $100. This also covers heart worm testing. Cost for cats is $60, which includes immunizations. Private monies also goes to help with staffing and supplies. Dr. Kidd added that medium and large dogs are the hardest to get adopted.

Delicious refreshments were served by the hostesses. The devotional was read by Marlene Kreuter, followed by a prayer. The financial report was read by president Donna Hodge in treasurer Cynthia Summers’ absence. It was approved as read. Correspondence secretary Gladys Patterson reported a get well card had been sent to Mrs. Willie Mae Forrester. Also a card will be sent to Glynda Rich. A birthday card will be sent to Mrs. Lanier Mabry, who will celebrating her 103rd birthday on September 8.

Under old business, club members reported that mulch had been spread at Triangle Park along with new plantings. Under new business, Victoria Ard made a motion to participate in the yearly city park scarecrow contest. Discussion followed. Motion was seconded by Marlene Kreuter. Also a motion was made by Donna Herrin for each member to donate paper towels and newspapers to the humane society. Motion was seconded by Donna Hodge. The club agreed to bring these items to the next meeting. Happy Birthday was sung to all the August birthdays, Donna Herrin, Donna Ward and Ann Montgomery.

Following the reading of the Collect, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting. The next meeting will be September 28 at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Hostesses will be Angie Menne and Ann Montgomery.