If you’re anything like me, the photo of Dolly — all 60 pounds of her — cuddled up on her new mom in her safe, secure home in Calera simply warmed your heart.

Dolly’s story is life affirming. It is a testament to the good things happening in the lives of many previously unwanted pets in Shelby County.

As background, Dolly wandered the roads in and around Calera for years after having been left behind when her family moved from their home in the Waterford subdivision.

Former neighbors report Dolly stayed near her former home for quite a while before striking out on her own, presumably to look for her family.

Many in Calera recognized her plight and worked to capture her, but she proved elusive and escaped their numerous attempts.

We first reported on the Good Samaritans’ work to capture Dolly in February 2011.

Finally, on Sept. 9, 2011, Calera animal control officer Chris Smith spotted Dolly and was able to capture her with the help of a tranquilizer gun.

After receiving treatment for a variety of ailments at the Calera Animal Hospital, Buddy and Carla Smith of Calera, who had been working to help capture Dolly, took her into their home.

One need only look at the photos of Dolly in her new home to see she is thriving.

The plight of unwanted animals in Shelby County has seen much progress thanks to the Shelby County Humane Society and its Shelter Partners program, which has sent more than 5,000 unwanted dogs to new forever homes in New England over the last five years.

The Society and its volunteers continue to seek new ways to help unwanted dogs and cats, still vastly overpopulated here, through programs like Quick Fix, which offers low cost and sometimes no cost spay and neuter services, as well as life-saving vaccinations and microchipping.

Still, the Shelby County Humane Society desperately needs our support.

Little things, like dropping off a bag of pet food, cat litter or paper towels, mean a great deal to the shelter and its volunteers.

Dolly’s story and the many great things happening at the Shelby County Humane Society are also testament to the goodness of people here. I’m proud to call Shelby County home.

Jan Griffey is the editor for the Shelby County Reporter. She can be reached at 669-3131 ext. 36 or by email at jan.griffey@shelbycountyreporter.com.