Krissi Hawke former Shelter Coordinator for The Humane Society Serving Clark County elected to move on after 15 years

Clark County lost one of their champions for animals when Krissi Hawke, former Shelter Coordinator for The Humane Society Serving Clark County elected to move on after 15 years. Since her departure earlier this year, she served as the Interim Director of the Humane Society of Madison County. Recently Hawke announced her decision to follow her dream and return to this community. “My heart is in Clark County” said Hawke of her decision to seek local support for the first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in the county.

We recently sat down with Hawke and her friend and supporter Kelly Brandeberry to find out why she feels the need to start the non-profit organization at this time and how Brandeberry will be supporting the effort.

Hawke is a certified cruelty investigator who served Clark County for a number of years. When she elected to move away from the local shelter, the county was left without a cruelty investigator who works with the Dog Wardens office on cases that lead to court proceedings. By taking the lead to open an SPCA to serve the county, Hawke would become recertified for the SPCA and bring the cruelty investigator position back to the area.

The SPCA will not be in competition with any of the local animal rescue groups. “We are not in competition, we are just here to help” Hawke said of her program. Her intent is to return education to the community and to help animals remain in their home. When you educate children and adults on the proper care of pets, the need to have the Dog Wardens take them from the street is reduced.

Hawke has been in contact with a number of resources within the community and has already started the process of establishing a 501c3 organization. Part of the dream is to be able to also take in 4-5 owner release animals and continue her work to find homes for them as quickly as possible. The county contract with the Dog Wardens will not be part of this program and strays will still be housed at the Humane Society.

As part of the SPCA program, Hawke will be working on gaining grant funding to provide affordable spay and neuter options for animals in the county. One of her main goals in addition to preventative education is to reduce the number of unwanted pets in the community. It is a long road to opening sometime in 2017, but Hawke and her supporters are determined to make this a reality for the community.

Kelly Brandeberry is a strong supporter of homeless, abused and unwanted pets. She organizes the annual Dogtoberfest held at the family winery in Mad River Township each October. This event has raised thousands of dollars to benefit shelters and organizations across the area.

Also supporting Hawke by serving on her board of directors will be Springfield Vet Tech Amanda Holt and two prominent veterinarians. Other individuals who have served the community on similar boards and who have a desire to see improvement in conditions for animals have stepped up to take a seat on the board.

The one thing that is most needed now for this dream of course is private funding. Brandeberry recently established a Go Fund Me account in hopes of raising $15,000 to start the SPCA. Hawke has ownership of a facility, but restoration and renovations are needed before any animals can be helped.

Brandeberry held a recent fundraiser at the winery and raised over $500 for the project. Beginning on December 10 when the cinerary has the second release of “Forever Home” a popular sweet blush wine, they will be donating $3 for every bottle sold. Her entire family is behind Hawke and her proven track record of improving conditions for animals of all types.

This is a great time to help out the program with a gift card or donation to the Go Fund Me Account. If you are not sure of what to buy someone for Christmas, a donation can be made in their name. Hawke and Brandeberry will be accounting for every donation and without the support of individuals, the dream may take a much longer time to become reality. As of press time, $810 has been raised for the project.

Gift cards are needed for Lowes or Home Depot to help supply the interior renovation supplies such as wall board, studs and other items. The location also is in need of a new hot water heater and furnace. Wal-Mart cards are needed to help with paper products and cleaning supplies that are pet friendly.

To donate to the Go Fund Me Account, visit www.gofundme.com and search for SPCA Springfield, OH (Startup of New Clark County SPCA). You will see a photo of Krissi Hawke and her Canine Officer Cami who will play an integral part in the SPCA education program. The team has years of experience working with Springfield area students and volunteers and has the respect of the Springfield Police Department and many other organizations.

For other donations or to donate your talents for some of the renovation work, you can contact Hawke at the SPCA phone 937-925-6602. You can also mail your gift cards to SPCA c/o Krissi Hawke 21 Walter Street, Springfield, OH 45504. This will be the home of the new organization.

When asked why she was helping Hawke to launch this project Brandeberry replied “I love animals and Krissi is the most dedicated animal rescuer I’ve ever seen”. We also asked Hawke about her reaction to the individuals who have already committed to helping with the program by serving on her board and supporting her with the costs of applying for non-profit status which involves legal fees. “I am a very humble person and their support means the world to me” she said.

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