Orange County NC Website
<br />Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant <br /> <br />A generous donation in honor of Pat Sanford has made possible a new grants pro- <br />gram to support animal welfare in Orange County. These grants can be used for a <br />wide range of pilot or seed projects- or to supplement other programs, projects, <br />and grants which support companion animals, including those animals servicing <br />recreational or therapeutic purposes. <br /> <br />Sanford is the former Executive Director of the Orange county Animal Protection <br />Society (APS), where she served for 17 years until her retirement in 2002. During <br />her time at APS, she implemented many important programs, including a huge <br />push for spay/neuter to combat the county’s growing pet overpopulation program. <br />During her tenure, she helped expand the size and capacity of the APS twice, grew <br />its budget and resources, and created a wildlife rehabilitation component that <br />would carry on beyond her retirement. <br /> <br />Sanford was a major voice for humane animal euthanasia in North Carolina, push- <br />ing for euthanasia by injection over the use of carbon monoxide. She acknowledged <br />that many of those ultimately euthanized had come from less than ideal back- <br />grounds with hard lives and deserved a compassionate end when euthanasia was <br />the only option. After her retirement, Sanford continued her work for Orange <br />County animals and, for several years, served on the county’s Animal Services Ad- <br />visory Board. <br /> <br />Ms. Sanford’s accomplishments in the field of animal welfare are vast and her co n- <br />tributions helped Orange County become and remain one of the leading counties in <br />the state and country for animal placement, recovery, and overall well-being. The <br />grants awarded in her honor will support efforts that exemplify the same dedica- <br />tion and commitment to animal welfare in Orange County. Grant awards are cur- <br />rently limited to a maximum of $500 and applications must be received by October <br />15th.