To say that long-time Kershaw County Humane Society president Judy Thiel was an advocate for the proper treatment and care of animals in Kershaw County is a grave understatement. "What Judy did extended much further than Kershaw," said Thiel’s long-time coworker and friend, Sharon Jones. Jones, who is the director of the Walter M. Crowe Animal Shelter, spoke about Thiel’s dedication and activism for all aspects of nature. "She loved wildlife. She loved whales and monkeys, all animals. She put land into a conservation foundation -- she protected trees just as much as she protected puppies and kittens."
Thiel, who recently passed away, will be fondly remembered and missed by many, but her friends at Walter Crowe have come up with a very special way to honor her. Tuesday, through Saturday,, the shelter will be hosting a "Name your own price Adopt-A-Thon." Candidates will be given a "meet your match" form to help connect each person with the right pet for their lifestyle and can come up with their own price to cover the adoption process.
The Adopt-A-Thon is the perfect time for anyone who’s been considering adding a pet to their home to both save a life and bring home a new friend. The Adopt-A-Thon comes at an opportune time too, because the shelter is brimming with many loving puppies and kittens, and fully-grown dogs and cats.
Along with the adoption event, Thiel’s visions and aspirations will be carried on, as Jones and her staff will continue work on Thiel’s most recent project, the completion of the Meyer-Thiel Adoption Center. The land and existing building were purchased and donated by Thiel and the center is currently in the pre-construction phase.
"Judy dedicated her life to helping this shelter. She didn’t need or want praise from anyone. Her passion was for nature, for helping animals," said Jones, who remembers scaling barbed-wire fences and trekking through hog pens with Thiel, all in an effort to educate people on proper animal care.
"I feel sorry for anyone who didn’t get the chance to know Judy. She was at times my boss, at times my mother. She was always my friend," said Jones. "Her goals are my goals and I will do everything I can to fulfill those."
Walter M. Crowe Animal Shelter is located at 460 Fair St. in Camden. Adoptions run Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m .- 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. -1 p.m. Find them at https://http://www.facebook.com/waltermcrowe or http://www.kershawcountyhs.org/.
