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By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

Kristy Johnson has joined the Humane Society of Chilton County board as treasurer.

Johnson was unanimously approved to the position during a board meeting on July 18.

Johnson has an associate’s degree in accounting.

She works in Birmingham in litigation for an insurance company.

Johnson has also become a foster for shelter animals.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Johnson said. “It’s a lot of work, but you get a lot out of it.”

Although she lives in Alabaster, Johnson has been involved with the Humane Society of Chilton County since finding a dog that jumped out of the Humane Society truck during transport.

“Our whole meeting … her has been a miracle, an absolute miracle,” Humane Society member Tina Austin said.

The dog was fine and has since left the shelter with a rescue organization. The Humane Society has also purchased a transport van thanks to a generous anonymous donor to avoid further incidents.

After finding the dog, Johnson started hearing that the Chilton County organization was looking for it. She said she mentioned to co-workers that she had found a dog on the side of the interstate. Some started telling her that the Humane Society had posted on Facebook looking for the dog.

“I can’t believe Facebook worked liked that,” Johnson said. “I was shocked.”

She then became involved in fostering with the Humane Society.

Board president Lee Helms said Johnson has also volunteered at the shelter.

Comments were made that the accounting and finance systems of the Humane Society had been made more manageable and organized, which would make it simpler for someone new coming in.

The organization’s multiple checking accounts are also going to combined to eliminate some service fees.

Designating an officer manager from the employees was also discussed.

Helms said the finance system did need more tweaking to make the information available to everyone and where certain elements are not waiting for days because only one person can handle them.

The animal shelter is also looking to hire a kennel tech with experience.

Adoption fees for cats have been increased to $50 for adults and $75 for kittens. Board members approved the change to cover costs of vet services for the animals.

There were 94 cats and three dogs euthanized in June due to sickness.

In June, there were 203 animals brought to the shelter by former owners, 149 by animal control and 69 were strays. Of these, 186 went to rescue organizations and 20 were adopted.

The influx of animals prompted the organization to stop taking animals surrendered by owners to make room for those they have to accept from animal control.

There are still 121 animals at the shelter.

Animals ready to be adopted can be viewed on the Humane Society of Chilton County Facebook page.

Shelter summer hours

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m.-3p.m. (No intakes after 2 p.m.)

First and third Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (No intakes after 1 p.m.)