May 10, 2015 3 min read

CLAYSVILLE – Martin may be the resident greeter at Claysville Animal Care, but it was Tillman who freely roamed the halls and offices, sweetly sizing up the first-time visitor.

Martin and Tillman are among three friendly felines – the other is Tony – who make their home at the veterinary clinic.

“Everybody identifies with Martin,” said Melissa Rebarnick, a certified veterinary technician at Claysville Animal Care.

The cats once were strays, but now they have a safe place to sleep, are fed regularly and receive plenty of tender, loving care from the staff, as well as pet owners who frequent the clinic.

Many other stray and injured animals also have found their way to the clinic, some in need of immediate medical attention and nutrition.

And they always get what they need, thanks, in part, to the Angel Fund, which was established in 2008 by veterinary aide Linda Lilley of West Alexander. Lilley, who worked at Claysville Animal Care for 10 years before retiring in 2013, died in October.

To honor her memory, the staff continues to maintain the Angel Fund, and on Saturday, it will hold various raffles during an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in celebation of its 15th anniversary. Proceeds from the raffles will be donated to the Angel Fund.

“She had a way with the animals that I can’t explain,” said Rebarnick, who is organizing the open house. “It’s definitely something we want to continue in her honor. She was like a mother to us.”

Lilley started the fund after a longtime client, Lisa Reeder, bequeathed money to Claysville Animal Care when she died. Lilley, who had just lost her dog, Boo, held a raffle to supplement the donation, and she continued to organize fundraisers to help the fund grow. Saturday’s raffles will include cat- and dog-themed baskets and food. A bench planter in Lilley’s honor also will be unveiled.

“We get a lot of strays, whether from staff or clients or the community,” Rebarnick said. “We do our best to treat them and adopt them out.”

Last year, 13 cats were brought in, with a few dogs here and there. Dogs, however, are more difficult to house on site, Rebarnick said.

Several clients have donated money to the Angel Fund in honor or memory of a pet, and just recently, another client gave the staff $20 to add to the fund.

In addition to helping stray or injured animials, the Angel Fund also benefits clients who are experiencing financial hardships, said Rebarnick, noting that “$25, $50 here and there helps.”

Clayville Animal Care is located at 228 Main St. For more information, call 724-663-2697.