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Thanks to volunteers and generous anonymous donors, a new roof was added to the outdoor kennels of the Rockingham County Humane Society over the holidays.

The shelter will keep the dogs dry in rainy weather and warmer on winter days. Volunteers plan to add a windbreak for more protection.

Mike Robertson, one of the workers who put up the new roof, was distressed that on snowy days, the tarp that covered the kennel fell and dropped snow on the dogs. And anyone who drove by the shelter knew the animals got wet when it rained.

Volunteers have always been the backbone of the nonprofit and have come to the rescue for the housing and care of dogs and cats that have been abandoned or are in need of a home.

Sue Holland, president of the group and full-time worker, began as a volunteer 16 years ago. She knew the hard work she was getting into.

A native of Mayodan, she also is involved in raising money and saving older buildings as a member of the Mayodan Preservation League.

“I love things that are a struggle,” she said with a laugh.

Holland says she’s indebted to the volunteers who show up with bags of dog and cat food and other items that won’t have to be bought. She says she never has any money left in the bank at the end of a month. Money for the society comes from donations, memorials, fundraisers and adoptions. The group receives no grant or taxpayer money.

The Humane Society provides a no-kill shelter, the only one in the county, and every pet is spayed, neutered and vaccinated. On the first Monday of each month, the office on Boone Road provides a spay/neuter clinic — $75 a dog and $65 for a cat or kitten.

Volunteers are essential to the upkeep and running of the shelter. Holland appreciates the generosity and love she sees in the people who stop by and the unknown donors who leave money. Anonymous donors made the new roof possible. The volunteers who built the shelter are experienced in construction.

“These volunteers love animals and are concerned about their welfare,” said Holland. “They want to make a dent in the needs of these animals”

Currently, 15 regular volunteers walk dogs, take pets to the vet, feed the animals, and clean cages and bedding.

“It’s hard, sometimes nasty work, sometimes backbreaking work,” says Amy Newnam, a 10-year volunteer who staffs the shelter on Wednesdays and Sundays, Holland’s days off.

Newnam, a board member, volunteered Christmas and New Year’s Day this year. Her husband, Reid, is a regular volunteer who helps on Sundays, along with Carol Echols. Newnam, in spite of the work, says she feels blessed to be with animals and finds the job rewarding. She sheds many tears when beloved animals are adopted.

Unfortunately, Holland says, most of the animals at the shelter were turned in by their owners who no longer wanted the pets or were unable to take care of them. Owners often don’t consider the lifelong obligation to a pet.

One of the Humane Society’s challenges is providing for the needs of the animals. That includes dry dog and cat food, toys for both, chew bones for dogs, towels, sheets, blankets, bleach (“We use tons of it”), paper towels, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, gloves, trash bags and newspapers. Any of these items will be appreciated and may be brought to the office during operating hours.

The office is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Call 623-4428 for more information.

An Eden native, Rachel Wright is retired as a teacher at Morehead High School and an instructor at Rockingham Community College.