As president of Little Victories Animal Shelter (LVAS), Sue Brown is engulfed in the pursuit of developing an area service long overdue. Along with a handful of other driven volunteers, they are on a mission full of vision, passion and dreams. As a group, they believe each animal they save is truly a little victory. Their cohesion is as evident as the enthusiasm they share. As individuals, they perform a diversity of duties ranging from board meetings to keeping the animal areas clean and everything in between.

In addition to their monthly mortgage payment, Little Victories paid over $25,000 in medical payments last year in the treatment of animals. Their animals are well fed, well taken care of, sterilized, loved and up for adoption to those who qualify.

According to Brown, "We need help with every phase of our operation. We can always use blankets, dog food, people who want to walk dogs, play ball with them, bring doggie snacks, or you can visit our Web site and fill out a volunteer form. Money is always in need, and it's tax deductible."

Michele Endicott has been with LVAS for more than 4 years, spending an average of 25 hours a week at the shelter.

"All of us at Little Victories are passionate on the preservation of life, that's why this is a no kill facility," said Endicott, who sends out mass e-mails attempting to raise membership and create an awareness of LVAS. Presently, the mailing list totals about 1,500 names. If you would like to receive a copy, visit their Web site at www.littlevictories.org

Don Alexander defines happiness as a wagging tail. "I just plainly and simply love animals," said Alexander, who takes animals to the vet when needed, does upkeep on the buildings, and just whatever needs done that's within his area of expertise.

Don Mega and his wife Lynn have been involved with LVAS about 4 years. "When we bought our current home, one of the first things we did was have the back yard fenced in. Dogs need a place to play that's safe," said Don Mega, who together with his wife come and walk the dogs, providing treats and human contact.

Little Victories will also post pictures of lost and found animals on their Web site free of charge. Pictures are constantly being updated. Who knows, if you are missing your dog, it could be just a click away.

Jennifer Holley has been known to pick up starving dogs found wandering along the side of the road. During the 4 years she has been with LVAS, she handles documentation for adoption and helps produce the quarterly newsletter called Critters Corner.

Another definition of what a volunteer may be is found in the actions of Garrett Priddy, a young boy who used the money he had for family Christmas presents to purchase food and supplies so the animals at LVAS would have Christmas also.

Barbara Tzankoff has been involved with LVAS for four years. She does a multitude of tasks, but her special niche is the annual rummage sale, which last year brought in $7,000.

Foster homes are also available and needed for dogs, puppies and cats. LVAS will purchase the food and pay for any medical attention required while the animal is under foster care.

Bill Webb loves animals, and for two years has been volunteering his spare time with LVAS. "Our operation is first class, and despite every obstacle, we are growing. This is truly a labor of love where euthanasia is just not considered."

Another part of LVAS is their "adopt-a-thon" held several times a year. Ginny Young has been involved with this activity for about two years.

"We put healthy animals up for adoption in various locations around the area. They are sterilized, have had their shots, and have been wormed," said Young, who mentioned there is a fee involved with adoption.

Ann Linden became involved with LVAS because she keeps finding stray animals.

"They need love and affection, and they find it here," said Linden, who has pets of her own.

Little Victories is constantly seeking individuals, groups, businesses and organizations to become members. Membership is their lifeblood. It is the through membership fees and support from the community that they are able to save the lives of thousands of animals. Applications for membership can be downloaded right from the Web site.

LVAS requests support in all areas, even building material for a new shelter, labor, clerical work and fundraising. For more information, call (304) 743-5802, or write Little Victories, P.O. Box 247, Barboursville, WV 25504, or e-mail Sbrown7987@aol.com.

Clyde Beal is a freelance writer living in Huntington. This is part of a series of articles bringing attention to those who volunteer their time supporting organizations in our community who would perish without their support. If you wish to become a part of this series, contact Night Local Editor Luke Damron at (304) 526-2753 or by e-mail at ldamron@heralddispatch.com.