IT STARTED ONE COLD WINTER DAY...

A life-long interest and involvement in humane causes was brought to a head for Winnie Berry on a cold winter day in 1959, when a co-worker at Lufkin Industries told her about seeing a group of dogs huddled together for warmth at the library. She knew something had to be done for the homeless, unwanted animals of Angelina County. Shortly afterward, Fred Woods, a local pharmacist and animal lover, called her about forming a Humane Society. They held the first meeting at the old TP&L conference room to organize and apply for a charter. With the help of the press, there were 40 to 50 people in attendance. The late Roy Saunders, DVM, donated $50.00 dollars (quite a sum in those days) for the building of the shelter. Others paid a $3 dollar membership fee as a donation. In 1964, the Humane Society of Angelina County received its 501(c)3 federal tax exemption, and the City of Lufkin agreed to give $120.00 a month to offset utility bills. In 1979, the City of Lufkin formed an Animal Control Department, and an agreement with the Humane Society of Angelina County was reached between the two entities that gave the existing Humane Society use of the City of Lufkin's Animal Control facility. At that time, the Humane Society of Angelina County was under the direction of Buddy Zeagler as President and Sandy Vann as Vice President. In 1993, the Humane Society separated from the City of Lufkin Animal Control facility, and built its new facility at 1102 John Redditt Drive. At that time the Humane Society of Angelina County initiated a spay/neuter program whose cost is based on a family's household income. This program makes it possible for many families to have their pets spayed/neutered to help control the pet population in Angelina County. The Humane Society of Angelina County, also known as the Winnie Berry Pet Adoption Center, is proud to be the only no-kill shelter in Angelina County. Our shelter is also the only no-kill shelter for a stretch of several hours' drive from north of Houston to Tyler.

We are always searching for information on Winnie - historical stories, pictures, information about her history in life and with the animals she saved as well as the organization she helped create. Winnie was our founder, but even more than that, she is still an inspiration to our community and has become a symbol to those in search of a humane solution to animals who are homelessness, overpopulation, and more. Our mission reflects Winnie's goals in the 1960's. Her humane outreach was as the right one then just as it is today.

If you have any information or know of a resource where we can learn more about Winnie, please email executivedirector@winnieberry.org