Submitted photo - Animal shelter workers give a dog a bath by using the new bathing station, which was purchased with grant funding from the Robert and Louise Clafin Foundation.
According to County Administrator John Gerlach, the funding is in the amount of $3,080 and went toward the purchase of a bathing tub and faucets for the Mason County Animal Shelter.
The 59 inch stainless steel bathing station with Slide-N-Hide Ramp System is now installed at the animal shelter. According to Gerlach, the shelter was able to obtain the item thanks to the Robert and Louise Clafin Foundation Grant. Stephen C. Littlepage is president of the foundation, which was established in 2009 for the purpose of providing financial support to projects, groups and citizens of Mason County. It is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 tax exempt organization created for charitable purposes.
Littlepage described giving money to the animal shelter as being a very good thing for the county. In fact, he said it was what Robert and Louise Clafin would have wanted.
“Robert Clafin and his wife, Louise, were animal lovers. They cared for strays in the neighborhood, and when Louise passed away, Robert continued to care for and feed stray cats,” Littlepage said. “It was obvious that they cared for animals. When (the shelter) filed for the grant, the committee felt that it was a worthwhile purpose.”
The Robert and Louise Clafin Foundation offers competitive grants in a variety for areas, including personal health/wellness, literacy, education, arts/music and animal care, health maintenance and prevention.
Robert and Louise Clafin resided in New Haven, and attended the New Haven Church of God. Although Louise Clafin was a native of Mason County, Robert Clafin moved from Massachusetts as a young man to begin is long-time career with Vanadium Corporation, also known as Foote Mineral Company in West Virginia. He was educated in the Northeastern University chemist program and was a financial contributor as well as an alumnus. Without children of their own, the couple was immersed in community and church activities. They focused on personal health and wellness, enjoyed reading and strongly believed in academic achievement in the education setting. The couple also was devoted to the care of stray animals in the community by providing food, companionship and sometimes, shelter to cats and dogs.
For more information on the foundation grants, call 304-675-1360 or visit the Hyer and Littlepage office, located at 207 Sixth St. in Point Pleasant.
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