When Bettie Poland and “Dal,” a dalmatian mascot for the Danville-Boyle County Humane Society, visited Danville City Commission Monday, they were planning to ask for donations of shoes for the organization’s Shoes for Paws fundraiser. But they probably weren’t expecting to leave with a pair of Commissioner J.H. Atkins shoes.

The humane society worked for four years to fundraise for and construct its new kennel building, Poland said.

“It is built, it is beautiful and it is paid for,” Poland said. “But the costs still continue and we have found a company that will pay us for gently used shoes.”

After Poland explained the fundraiser — people can donate used and dirty but not worn-through shoes and the humane society will sell them by the pound — Dal headed around to shake paws with each of the commissioners.

“I’ve got something for you,” Atkins said when it was his turn, directing Dal to join him on the commissioners’ platform.

“Smell out them right there,” he said gesturing under his desk. “I just took them off.”

Dal went under the desk and came up with Atkins shoes to a round of applause from the audience.

The Shoes for Paws fundraiser is scheduled to last through March 31. Gently worn, used or new shoes may be dropped off at the following locations: Farmers National Bank, Ft. Knox Federal Credit Union, Chase Bank, Ephraim McDowell Wellness Center, Workout Anytime, Danville Bike and Fitness, Maple Tree Gallery and DBCHS. 

For more information, or to have a large amount of shoes picked up, contact one of the following people: Cathy Jerome, (859) 319-1140, jrmcbj@aol.com; Bettie Poland, (859) 583-8087, bettiepoland@gmail.com; or Janet Martin, 583-6029, janetcmartin100@gmail.com.