Top of Ohio Pet Shelter

Bellefontaine, Ohio – March 25, 2014 – The Top of Ohio Pet Shelter, as part of their ongoing restructuring, has teamed with the Animal Cruelty Taskforce (ACT) to assist in performing an internal investigation into suspected misconduct in shelter operations.

Steffen Baldwin, President and CEO of ACT Ohio, met with members of the TOPS Board of Directors on Tuesday to discuss partnering with us. One result of the discussions is that ACT will assist us in performing an internal investigation into past shelter operations and guidance in setting up policies and procedures to help prevent future issues.

ACT Ohio retains the services of Holland and Muirden Law Offices who will be reviewing the documentation regarding several specific concerns that have recently come to light.

As part of the investigation Steffen is taking public comments and concerns. He can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . ACT will present recommendations at the April 21st meeting of the Board. This meeting will be open to the public at a location to be announced.

4th Grade students at Indian Lake Elementary decided to make "Loom Band" jewelry to raise money for the Top of Ohio Pet Shelter thanks to a wonderful idea of Alexis Lones (pictured here right with Bessie). Students Alexis Jones, Tori Blanks (pictured left), Layla Yoakam, Hayle Willoby, Gaven Clary, and Logan Evans spent their recess time making the bands and then sold the bands to their fourth grade friends raising $82.85. Today they presented the check to the shelter. Bessie pictured in the middle, said it was a wonderful moment today and she loved meeting the girls. All the students mentioned are officially designated as TOPS Ambassadors. We love the spirit, desire and understanding what it means to serve others that these special students have demonstrated. Thank you, each, and every one of you, plus those who bought the bands. And most important, Moms and Dads and teachers; "You are doing an awesome job!" Keep on!!

We Have a Winner!!

The Top of Ohio Pet Shelter (TOPS) announced the winner of their Logo Contest today on WPKO's Give Me Shelter program. The contest was open to residents of Logan County and students of schools in Logan County. The shelter needed a new logo to replace the old Humane Society Serving Logan County logo.

There were a total of sixteen entries from nine different people. The submissions were judged by the Bellefontaine High School Marketing and Young Professionals / DECA students with guidance from teacher/advisor Katie Rychener. The students are partnering with TOPS on a branding project and the selection of the logo was a part of that effort.  Students Kenzie Patton, Maddie Rader and Caleb Mitchell made the official announcement during the live broadcast on WPKO with Chad Wilkinson.

The winning submission was designed by Jason Benton of Bellefontaine. It illustrates our giving shelter to cats and dogs here at the top of Ohio. Jason will receive an Amazon gift card worth $100.00 for taking first place in the contest.

The Top of Ohio Pet Shelter thanks everyone that submitted entries to the contest.