By Stephen Smoot
“We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,” shared Steve Pendleton from the Humane Society of Hardy County. Last weekend, about 25 gathered at the South Branch Inn in Moorefield.
“We started this organization in this room in August 2023,” noted Pendleton, who added that “we had a lot of ideas and dreams.” Those included establishing a trap, neuter, and spay operation that has worked diligently at reducing numbers of feral cat colonies since 2024. Spaying hundreds of cats, he shared “saved a lot in this community and made it healthier.” Most of the animals treated were cats, although some dogs also were “altered,” as those in the rescue community sometimes say.
Pendleton explained that “always from the beginning, we wanted to have a shelter.” Recently, the Society purchased a shell building that formerly served as an auto repair and also a welding shop. The Humane Society brought plans to the meeting to show members and supporters how they intend to renovate it to serve the mission.
That building came into the hands of the Humane Society in November of 2025. They chose this structure because “it gives us the flexibility and freedom to build it how we want it to be.” Located on the south side of Moorefield, plans are in place to build in two phases.
Phase I will see the construction of a new floor with an epoxy covering. Plans are also in place to remove a large garage door to be replaced with a wall. New windows will also go in. Pendleton explained that it would have separate wings for dogs and cats, as well as a kind of reception area where those considering adoption can “get to know” the animal that they may wish to take home to join the family.
The facility will also have space to bring in colonies for preparation to perform mass TNR alterations. Phase II will create a second story to house other operations. “We don’t have a specific time line to open it yet,” said Pendleton.
The shelter will help support work currently done with feral cat colonies. With many thousands in separate colonies throughout the county, the scope of work is immense. Pendleton explained, however, that the problem would have continued to expand considerably had the Humane Society not stepped up efforts to help withe the trap, neuter, and release programs in place.
Pendleton shared that the group did receive a grant for over $8,000. He stated that the organization asked for about twice that amount after receiving $10,000 last year. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture, however, received many more applications, which drew on the amount handed out this time.
Fundraising will continue to provide for the needs of programs and the planned facility, whose eventual price tag could fall between $80,000 and $100,000. Additionally, the State grant comes on a reimbursement basis, so the Humane Society must raise an equivalent to the award, spend it, then send invoices for payment. Also, spaying and neutering comes at a discounted cost, but not no cost. Bills can rack up quickly as large numbers of animals get helped out.
Although the Humane Society has successfully earned grants, it has done so without an experienced grant writer. Opportunities at the state, foundation, and also the corporate level are available and it would take an experienced grant writer to earn these awards with higher payouts.
Michelle Funk, an experienced cat rescuer, presented on the TNR program and also the humanitarian need to protect feral cats as much as possible. She has her own cat sanctuary that cares for 50 animals in a professional fashion. She also shared plans on addressing cat colonies in Old Fields, Caledonia Heights, and elsewhere.
Funk discussed the future of the program with plans to work strategically to identify colonies and determine the best way to manage their health and numbers. Pendleton shared that he has held discussions with Wardensville Town officials to lay out ways to help that community with its colonies. Town of Moorefield funds efforts within its limits.
The group also shared its needs. An experienced grant writer could help bring in funds, but the organization also needs dedicated fundraisers to work within the community.
Moreover, they need volunteers to trap the animals, transport them, feed and care for them in the shelter,when it comes on line. A huge need, however, lies in bringing in more foster homes for animals, especially cats. Five currently serve the Humane Society, two in Grant and three in Hardy.
