Times are better today.  We have a new shelter (completed in 2007) and more volunteers and money, but Sandy continues her 24/7/365 schedule.  Each day usually begins at 5 AM when Sandy arrives at the shelter to greet and check on the animals, dispense medications, respond to e-mails, and often, care for dogs, cats, kittens and puppies left in cages or tied to the shelter gate during the night.  The rest of the mornings and early afternoons are spent rescuing animals from the county pounds and roadside dumpsters, responding to calls for help, transporting animals to and from the veterinarians, and dealing with shelter operation and maintenance issues, and picking up supplies.  Late afternoons are devoted to recording, depositing, and writing checks and corresponding with supporters.

On more than one occasion, the Southside SPCA Board has suggested to Sandy that she accept some compensation for her tireless efforts, or at least take a day off from time to time – but she has steadfastly refused, even continuing to make donations of money to the Southside SPCA each year.

We hope you are as inspired as we are by Sandy’s selfless devotion to the welfare of the homeless animals of Southside Virginia and all that she has accomplished on their behalf. “Hero” is an over-used term these days, but there can be no question that it correctly describes Sandy Wyatt.