VARNVILLE—Hampton County Animal Shelter Manager Amanda “Mandy” Strickland doesn’t like attention or accolades, but when you make such a huge difference for animals and pet lovers around the Lowcountry, such praise can’t be avoided.
Her latest shining moment? On Saturday, local author and pet lover Ellen D. Freeman announced that she had dedicated her second book, Duke (Plus One), to Strickland. Freeman made the announcement during Saturday’s HCAS Yard Sale Fundraiser, much to the surprise of Strickland.
Here is what Freeman wrote on the dedication page of Duke (Plus One):
“Because Duke was a pound puppy, it seems appropriate that his book should be dedicated to one who works so diligently and with such devotion to find forever homes for every possible one of God’s creatures that comes into her care: AMANDA EMBLER STRICKLAND
“Amanda, better known locally as Mandy, manager of The Hampton County Animal Shelter in Varnville, S. C., along with her very supportive husband, Stacy, and other family members, Shelter Attendant Angie Cook, and a host of dedicated volunteers, goes beyond the call of duty to make HCAS the best that it can be for any and all homeless animals.
“Every animal that comes into HCAS is given a name and is cared for with great compassion, and Mandy uses every available source to attempt to place every possible animal in a foster or a permanent home. The love and devoted care that she gives to these homeless ones is both remarkable and admirable. Congratulations, Mandy, for a job well done, and may God continue to richly bless you in your life and in your work. If they could, the animals would all join us in saying, ‘Thank you for all that you do! We love you!’”
Freeman, a retired elementary school teacher, writes books about the animals that have touched her life and stolen her heart. Duke (Plus One) is her second publication. Her original work, which was published last year, is titled Just George. Duke (Plus One) is available at all online book stores, and a book signing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Hampton United Methodist Church Social Hall.
This is not the first such honor for Strickland. In 2016, she was awarded the Hampton County Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award for her work in saving animals.
After volunteering countess hours to help animals on her own for years, she was hired in October of 2013 as the manager of the Hampton County Animal Shelter.
Since taking over the day-to-day management of the local animal shelter, Strickland has worked tirelessly to get record numbers of animals adopted or fostered and save record numbers of would-be pets from euthanasia. Because of Strickland’s reputation as a true animal lover who also has a heart for people, many area animal rights groups and local donors have now stepped forward eagerly to partner with and support the Hampton County Animal Shelter.
When not working with animals, or volunteering her time with several other groups that work to provide assistance to animals, Strickland enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, Stacy, two sons, Zach and Daniel, and a new grandchild, Grayson. She also enjoys riding motorcycles with her husband, catching up on much-needed relaxation time and traveling to scenic locales like New Orleans.