The assistance of shelter workers and volunteers to rescue animals and provide emergency veterinary services in Mississippi following the devastating storm was not lost on the Humane Society.

Due in part to the shelter’s service during the crisis, Humane Society of the U.S. President Wayne Pacelle paid the facility a visit Friday and spoke about how Hurricane Katrina proved people don’t forget about their pets when disaster strikes.

“It showed us as a country the importance of that human-animal bond,” Pacelle said to a group of about 30 NA-FC Shelter volunteers and staff members.

“Everybody at some level shared concern for the animals.”

Pacelle toured the West Market Street facility and spoke about how animals depend on humans for “mercy, decency and goodness.”

NA-FC Animal Shelter Director David Hall hailed the Humane Society as a dependable partner and said it was an honor to have Pacelle view the facility and speak to the workers.

“It’s unique to have Mr. Pacelle here, out of all the shelters in the area, to have him stop by here and say hi,” Hall said. “It’s always interesting that people up above think about the people in the trenches, and that’s us.”

People around the country work long hours and volunteer their time because of their love for animals and their longing to see them treated with respect, Pacelle said.

“All of us are kind of afflicted with this knowledge of knowing what’s going on with animals,” he said, but he added as demonstrated at the NA-FC shelter, there are like-minded people nationwide who care about animals.

“So we’re not alone. I think that’s something that’s an important reminder to all of us.”

From animal starvation to puppy mills and pet hoarding, Pacelle said The Humane Society of the U.S. is constantly combating cruelty. The organization would not be able to protect animals to the extent it does without help at the local level from entities like the NA-FC Shelter, Pacelle continued.

Hall said the shelter is stronger because of its partnership with The Humane Society at the state and national level. Hall said Anne Sterling, Indiana State Director for The Humane Society, “is very helpful and calls us on a regular basis and ask if they can do anything.”

Visit the area Humane Society on the web at www.humanesociety.org

•Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, speaks to a group of employees at the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter on Friday morning following a tour of the facility. Staff photo by Kevin McGloshen