HOMETOWN HEROES

Animals Advocate An for

Throughout her life, Sandy Hudson has taken in forgotten and neglected animals and patiently nurtured them back to health. Caring for a frightened stray is second nature for the Germantown Animal Services Manager. “From birth, I’ve been around animals,” she says with a smile.

Sandy Hudson finds forever homes for shelter’s dogs and cats

By Stephanie Painter Photography by Alex Ginsburg Photographics

In childhood, Hudson was surrounded by horses, cows, goats and chickens while growing up on a 40-acre farm in Virginia. There she gained a perspective on the cycle of life and a strong sense of compassion. “Animals want someone to love them–even stray animals at some point need humans to care for them,” says Hudson. Her lifestyle today still revolves around creatures great and small. With her husband DJ, she purchased a five-acre spread in Lakeland with space for their six dogs, horses and goats to roam. Rhode Island Red and Showgirl Silkie chickens strut around the property. The lively scene is capped by the sounds of barking dogs, crowing roosters and the occasional moo. In her youth, Hudson aspired to be a veterinarian. After earning a degree in Animal and Poultry Science at Virginia Tech, she started working at a Chesapeake shelter and chose a different path. “While there, I learned to handle all types of animals, whether aggressive or fearful, and learned a lot about people.” Hudson was named manager of the Germantown shelter in 2018 and she works closely with three animal control officers who are on the staff. Stray animals and those surrendered by their owners are housed at the shelter while employees reunite them with their rightful owners or match them with forever homes. Germantown Animal Services also runs a Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) program that has helped to reduce the feral cat population.

Starting her workday, Hudson greets up to 15 dogs that are eager to head outdoors to the play area. While the dogs socialize in groups, up to 25 cats exercise in a playroom stocked with sensory items. Each animal here has a story, one that takes on a happier note when a “forever home” is located. While at the shelter for this interview, a smart, playful pup named Jumba was waiting for a ride to his new home. His owners will appreciate his intelligence and high energy, and they want their three children to learn the responsibilities of pet ownership. When the family arrives, a celebration begins, and Jumba plays with his new stuffed toy, a Happy Adoption Day cake. “This job is a labor of love, and it’s emotional on so many levels,” Hudson says. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and receive heartworm prevention before adoption. Items such as food, a cage or crate, bowls and toys are handed out as going-away gifts.

Opportunities to Foster and Adopt

Residents can support the shelter by fostering animals. Fostering allows an opportunity to gauge readiness to own a pet, and sometimes animals need extra time. “If kittens are too young to be spayed or neutered, they can go to foster care to grow,” Hudson explains. Volunteers ages 14 and up can walk or bathe dogs and play with cats. The shelter’s Snout and About field trip program encourages volunteers to treat dogs to outings at Shelby Farms or walks around the neighborhood. Other support comes from Friends of Germantown Animal Shelter, a partner in supplying cat condos, dog beds, pools and funds. Hudson stays connected with pets and their families via Facebook or email. When off duty, she’s likely to cross paths with a familiar furry friend. While enjoying a horseback ride at Shelby Farms, she spotted Jade, a dog that had spent a long time at the shelter. When Jade first arrived, “She was hairless and suffered from mange. We fixed her up, and a family fell in love with her. It was so worth it! That dog now has the best life!” Hudson’s hope is that people will honor all animals and treat them with kindness. Her grandmother Betty, who lived on the adjoining farm back home in Virginia, shared valuable lessons. “She taught me to be kind and understanding, no matter the circumstances. And she helped me reach my goals and enabled me to pursue my passion for being involved with animals.” Hudson encourages residents who are interested in adopting an animal to visit the shelter, fill out an adoption questionnaire and meet a dog or cat in person to ensure a good fit. The adoption fee is $80. Information is shared on the Friends of Germantown Animal Shelter's Facebook page, petfinder.com and adoptapet.com. ■