Faye McLaurin has always been a fan of the Marlboro County Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of Marlboro County.
McLaurin used her 90th birthday, which was on Tuesday, to help the shelter.
The Humane Society of Marlboro County sponsored a “Drive-Through Donation ‘Paw-ty’” in celebration of McLaurin’s birthday on Nov. 1 at her home.
McLaurin said she volunteers out there and has seen the good work done by everyone.
“One thing that impresses me is they treat the animals like individuals and not like just things,” she said. “They know who the animals are. They all have names. They really give good care.”
McLaurin has volunteered at the shelter for about three years by playing with the kittens or by changing their litter.
She is also a self-proclaimed dog whisperer.
“I talk to the dogs a lot. I started giving them treats. They don’t want the treats as much as they want your touch,” she said with a laugh. “They love to be talked to.” McLaurin noted how well the staff and volunteers keep the place very clean along with taking the animals out for walks and to play.
“I am really impressed with the care that they give,” she said.
She hoped people saw this as a way to continue to donate to the Humane Society.
Her late husband Colin, started the Humane Society of Marlboro County about 30 years ago in her living room.
McLaurin said the county saw it as a good thing and took it over and really made it what it is today with their finances and their support.
“I think it is a model for shelters everywhere,” she said, “I am impressed with them.”
McLaurin was very appreciative of all the donations received.
Jennifer Hyduke, president of the Humane Society, said McLaurin is one of their special volunteers, who is one of the cat ladies.
“We just love her,” Hyduke said. “We have had to cut out a lot of the volunteers coming to help us because of COVID. We are slowly but surely getting a few back. With some of the older people, we just don’t want to take a chance.”
In the past, a couple of people wanted to have family and friends give donations and goods to the Humane Society.
Becky Rogers hosted a birthday party for the Humane Society a couple of years ago. Hyduke said they filled the van.
“Ms. Faye wanted to do the same thing but with COVID we couldn’t have one in anyone’s home so they came up with this idea,” she said.
Donations are still needed. The Humane Society is a 501 (c)3 non profit.
Since the pandemic, the shelter and Humane Society has been doing well.
Hyduke said they thought their numbers would be really high because people wouldn’t be able to take care of their animals while trying to feed their families.
“Our numbers are staying pretty steady,” she said. “We still move our animals to rescues and adoptions.”
If interested in donating, visit the Humane of Marlboro County website at www.humanesocietyofmarlboro.org and scroll down to the donate tab to donate online or mail a check to P.O. Box 135, Bennettsville, SC 29512.
For more information about animal adoptions, call the Marlboro County Animal Shelter at 843-479-3330. Leave a voice mail. Messages are checked every evening. The shelter is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3-5 and on Saturdays from 12-3.