POWERGRAMS

19 "The biggest thing is getting all those animals in a humane, safe environment," says East, a retired WestPoint Stevens executive who walks several of the dogs each day, including Bruce, a gentle 72-pound bulldog who starts howling upon hearing the SHARK leader's pickup truck pulling up to the kennels. Nearly 80% of the dogs in the facility are American pit bull terriers, a breed that is obedient, affectionate and intelligent but often subjected to bad publicity. Since 2019, the organization has neutered or spayed more than 80 dogs. Over 40% had heartworms on entering the kennels but have been cured. All dogs receive monthly medication to prevent ticks and fleas. "Those are the things we're most proud of," says East. "This organization has always been dedicated to helping and improving the lives of every animal that passes through our door, from rescue through adoption into a stable, loving home." After expending nearly all its funds on the new location, the nonprofit relies on a small group of dedicated volunteers to stay open. East says some seldom miss a day, cleaning each bed, water bucket and food bowl, walking each dog in the fenced areas. Though each dog's name is listed on heart-shaped felt tags pinned to fencing, the volunteers know them all, grooming them, talking to them, rubbing their heads, receiving licks in return, then handing over Milk Bones dipped in peanut butter. They often leave music playing for their canine friends. "Our dogs are spoiled," East says. "We know many of them have been mistreated. We have turned the lives of our animals into something respectful." SHARK is using a $3,000 grant from Wiregrass RC&D Council to help build a quarantine kennel to keep dogs separated until they have been medically cleared. Sometimes the dogs are in such straits it seems they can never be introduced to others: East adopted Orphan Annie (his fifth rescue) after she arrived with a broken tail and teeth, scars, open wounds and raw skin before recovering in his home. "Many of our volunteers have two or more dogs at home that they've adopted from our kennels through the years," says East. "You spend time with them and your heart just takes over." Volunteers like Missy Blalock often make forever friends of dogs they meet at the facility. "She's the one who changed my attitude, because I just couldn't go down there and see those poor animals," says Herndon. "But they are in such a better environment than they were. Instead of being sad, you see what they've become, without chains, with food, they're not sick, their wounds are healed and they are being loved." SHARK is raising funds to open a primary public building, which will have medical facilities, storage, bathrooms and an area for visitors to meet and adopt dogs. East says donations and volunteers are needed. "We want people who are like-minded," he says. "We'll do this as long as we can but we need the next generation to get involved. Unfortunately, there is always going to be a need for Safe Haven Animal Rescue and Kennels." ARNOLD'S FURNITURE CARRIES ON A mask-wearing customer quickly walks to the back of Arnold's Furniture, getting the attention of a man who smiles and pulls up a list on his service desk computer. "Mary," he says, easily identifying her despite the camouflage, then waiting for her last name to pop into his head. She interrupts him with her vital information and they laugh as she hands over cash for furniture that's been in her home awhile. Fred Arnold is happy to carry on the monthly payment tradition his father Fred Sr. started when he opened the store on South Court Square 64 years ago. Fred Jr. has been walking among the rows of couches, beds, tables, chests of drawers and household items most of his life. He enjoys interacting with people who have been coming to the store almost as long as Arnold. He often greets second- and third-generation Abbeville customers. "Dad built the business with charge accounts," Arnold says. "We still do that and, in general, over the years, it's worked well. It's allowed us to do some extra business. We've had really loyal customers through the years and still do." Arnold Sr. was in a hardware store partnership in 1953 but when that business relationship closed he opened his own full-line hardware store in the same building on Jan. 1, 1957. He eventually expanded into adjoining buildings and in the 1960s began selling Fred Arnold has sold furniture in Abbeville for most of his life. SHARK has 48 kennels; 80% of the dogs are American pit bull terriers. PHOTOS BY MEG McKINNEY

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