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Okolichany, Goddess of Humane
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2015/04 - April
The Highlands-Cashiers plateau is blessed to have so many philanthropic organizations available to us; and the heart of any philanthropy is its volunteers. We feel acknowledging these good-hearted folk on a larger scale has been long overdue.
This month we are recognizing Hedy Okolichany for her work with the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. She was nominated by CHHS director David Stroud.
You won’t find a more vibrant or enthusiastic person to speak for the animals. Hedy arrived decked out in her official CHHS shirt and even sported a pair of earrings that represent her love: Golden Retrievers. Hedy and her husband, who live in Cashiers, own Bella, their own Golden, and Bunny the Cat, both rescues, of course.
For the past seven years, she’s spent her Fridays with the animals at the shelter, come rain or shine. She has been known to visit other days, too, and says, “I’ll do whatever that staff needs me to do. I’ve cleaned litter boxes, I’ve scrubbed floors — whatever they need. ”
But Fridays are her days to walk the dogs. Not only will she walk her own Bella over three miles a day, but her charges at the shelter are put through their paces, too. Hedy says it’s how they help socialize the dogs and get to know them.
Recently the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society rescued 15 large dogs from an abusive situation in Tennessee. These pups were not ready to be walked, so Hedy just sits with them and provides a gentle, calming presence. She can’t say enough about the staff of the shelter and what they do.
Apparently, the feeling is mutual. Stroud suggested Okolichany for volunteer of the month because, “She is the backbone. We can count on her and we do.” She is a force to be reckoned with.
Having lived in Cashiers for over 20 years, she is a familiar face at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, too. She worked there for many years, only recently retiring from her position. Now, of course, she volunteers there.
Okolichany encourages everyone to lend their time to the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. They are not funded by any organization and receive all monies from donations. The paid staff can only do so much and they count on the twin communities to help this no-kill save lives and find forever homes. For more information on how you can help, contact David Stroud at (828) 743-5752 or email [email protected].
