EDITOR’S NOTE: Richland Source asked readers to nominate heroes from the community during the coronavirus crisis using our Open Source platform.
MANSFIELD — Linda Chambers doesn’t do what she does at the Humane Society of Richland County for the attention. In fact, she’d prefer none of it.
“I’m blessed to have a hardworking, dedicated, huge-hearted staff,” she said. “I don’t ever want anything to be about me, the people who work with me are true superstars.”
So when she was nominated as a “Daily Hero” by David Harmon, treasurer of the Humane Society Board of Directors, Chambers was more than a little embarrassed. But according to Harmon, the recognition is well deserved.
“It isn’t hard to find heroes during times of crisis; first responders and medical professionals provide inspiring examples every day,” Harmon wrote in his nomination.
“But I think that Arthur Ashe’s definition of heroism is about perfect when it comes to less visible heroes; there are many quiet, nearly anonymous heroes in our community. I especially admire those who dedicate themselves to the care of those who have no voice during this terrible time.
“The abandoned and abused animals in our community may not be as much on our minds as we read the headlines — but they are still there, and still in need,” Harmon continued. “Ms. Chambers has committed to the welfare of these poor animals —and remains dedicated to the welfare of HSRC’s shelter employees as well.
“Through hours of hard work, exhaustive planning and an intense focus on the effective management of the Society, she is quietly assuring that neglected dogs and cats will be fed and cared for — now and in the future. We are truly all in this together.”
Chambers took on the role of managing director for the organization in February 2019. She first joined the Humane Society Board of Directors in January 2017, and previously served as Board Chair from June 2017 to January 2019.
For her, the effort is truly a labor of love.
“I found my true passion, there’s no question about it,” Chambers said. “This place means everything to me.”
The Humane Society has not been immune to changes and challenges during the COVID-19 health crisis. On March 16, the shelter suspended regular open hours to the public. Chambers and three other essential staff members still visit every day to feed and medicate animals and clean cages, and one humane agent is still responding to emergency cruelty, neglect and abandonment reports.
“We’re basically closed, but we’re here because we always want to be a resource for people,” Chambers said.
If you are interested in adopting a pet, surrendering an animal, or reporting an issue of cruelty or neglect, call 419-774-4795.
For up to the minute information, visit the Humane Society Facebook page.
Animal adoptions are still available, but on a restricted basis while the shelter determines how to do “zero-contact adoptions.” The process has become mostly digital aside from a private meet-and-greet with the pet, with people encouraged to read an animal’s profile beforehand, fill out applications and complete the final adoption logistics online or over the phone.
“For me the decision is, what is the best way to keep our staff healthy?” Chambers said. “We have to be here to make sure the animals are healthy, and we want to get them into homes and do it safely.”
The long-term survival of the Humane Society hangs in the balance as well. As a nonprofit organization, the Humane Society is 100 percent funded by donations; the last time the shelter had a major financial crisis was in 2016 when services were suspended for 90 days.
“As soon as this whole thing started, donations just stopped,” Chambers said. “Our supporters right now have to look at a nonprofit donation as kind of a luxury right now. And I get it, you go into crisis mode. But for a nonprofit that relies on donations, it is unsettling.”
The good news is, with so many people confined to their homes for the foreseeable future, Chambers says now is an ideal time to adopt a new pet into your household.
“You’re home and it gives you the opportunity to interact,” she said. “You’re jump-starting that relationship and getting to know each other. Animals make our lives better and they make us feel less lonely and stressed and we can all use that right now.”
Chambers is weathering the COVID-19 crisis at her home in Bellville with her husband Jon and their animals: dogs Benjamin and Gordie, and cats Frankie, Eddie, Gwen and Poof.
“I think it’s more important now to have animals because it gives us that positive feeling,” Chambers said.
“My biggest role in all of this, my message to the public is the Humane Society of Richland County is not a sad place, it’s giving animals a second chance. And that warms my heart.”
