The Wells County "Friends of the Shelter" is a group of volunteers working under the direction of the shelter manager.  We do not have a national charter, officers or membership requirements and The Wells County Foundation is our fiscal agent.  Anyone wishing to be a part of this group should contact Gloria Shinn at 824-1916 or Suzanne Feeback at 824-5703.  Our main fund raising projects are a spring garage sale and fall booth in the industrial tent at the Bluffton Street Fair.

The Bluffton/Wells Animal Shelter is located at 1613 West Cherry Street and volunteer day is every Wednesday from 1-4pm.  Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and their main duty would be socialization of the cats and dogs by playing, dog walking etc.  You can be of help to us by offering your time, services, or any materials you have access to through friends, business acquaintances or employers.

We ask that our volunteers give us their ideas and be knowledgeable about shelter needs.  Adoptions can be encouraged by referring people to the shelter and giving them the information for viewing the animals online.

The immediate goal of this organization is to increase animal adoptions and supplement the animal care supplies that are not in the operating budget.  The long term goal is to reduce the numbers of puppies and kittens born through an affordable neuter/spay program.  The Wells County Foundation has a program for people who receive assistance and the animal shelter will be conducting an on site low cost neuter/spay program starting in May of 2010.

Donation checks should be written to the Wells County Foundation with the memo noted for animal shelter.  Friends of the Shelter have received permission to use their tax exempt status in collecting funds for which the donor wishes to claim a tax deduction for charitable giving.  Checks may be sent to the Wells County Foundation at 360 North Main Street-Suite C-Bluffton, Indiana 46714.

Supply donations (i.e. litter, leashes, collars, grooming materials etc.) are appreciated too.  There are many different ways to assist the shelter and we look forward to hearing from you.