The Humane Society of Northeast Texas has received a generous Matching Grant of $15,000 from Mr. Raymond Shelby of Longview. The grant will be used to increase pet adoptions by purchasing a 7? x 18? mobile adoption trailer to transport and display shelter animals at off-site locations and events. The base price of the trailer is $28,760.

?Mr. Shelby is challenging others to help animals by offering to match donations given for our adoption trailer,? explained Roxanne Hutson, Executive Director. ?We have raised $5,500 so far toward the goal. With $10,000 more in donations and Mr. Shelby?s match we will be able to purchase the adoption trailer soon.?

Raymond Shelby was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant with a variety of pets and livestock. He settled in Longview after serving in the Navy during the Korean War and working for Brown and Root for several years. From 1980 to 1990, he owned and operated Happy Days Lounge in Longview. Helping animals by donating to animal welfare organizations is one of Shelby?s goals now that he has retired.

?Animals can?t make decisions for themselves -- where they live, what they eat. It?s up to people to take good care of them,? Shelby said. ?We need to do all we can to help abused and neglected animals find homes.?

The Humane Society of Northeast Texas receives more than 10,000 animals each year from all areas of east Texas. The shelter is open Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To donate to the adoption trailer fund, contact Roxanne Hutson at 903-297-2170.