More dogs and cats in Island County are finding permanent homes, and the rate of spaying and neutering of pets has increased, due to the efforts of a small group of people trying to make life better for our furry friends.

Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation (WAIF) reports a successful 2001 for the organization’s mission, according to information released after its annual meeting.

“It was an interesting year,” said WAIF board member Sally Wolff. “We had some things that were very, very successful.”

The group’s 11 full and part-time employees and force of 85 volunteers worked hard to fulfill WAIF’s vision: A loving home for every pet.

WAIF, a non-profit organization, operates a minimum-kill shelter south of Coupeville, a thrift store in Freeland, and a thrift store in Oak Harbor that houses a cat adoption center. The term “minimum-kill” means that no animal will be put to sleep because of space or time limits. If the shelter gets too full, volunteer foster homes assist by giving the displaced pets a temporary residence. Foster homes also provide care for baby animals and sick animals that cannot stay in the shelter with the others.

“The people that volunteer for WAIF have such passion,” Wolff said.

Along with the positive results of last year’s operations comes a vision for continued success, Wolff said. The board recently approved a five-year strategic plan.

“It’s a way for us to address the needs of the community and to be successful,” Wolff said.

Read more about WAIF. See the print edition of Whidbey News-Times.