By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
There is a new but familiar face that will be looking out for the welfare of the county’s animals.
Judge Steven Eckstein swore in Amy Smith as the county’s newest humane agent Thursday morning. Smith is no stranger to the business of the Humane Society Serving Crawford County, having worked various jobs for the organization.
“I was looking for a career change and saw that they were hiring,” Smith said of her jump to humane agent.
When Smith first started at the Humane Society, she helped with basic cleaning and front desk work. Over time, she took on more responsibilities as different positions came open, including working on dog training and acting as an adopting specialist, running the crematory, and being a euthanasia tech.
“This position came open and I just decided it was something I wanted to do. Help the community, too,” Smith added. “A lot of times people are just not educated about how to take care of their animals. That was kind of my attitude going into this – I’m going to try to educate the community and make it pleasant for everybody. Nobody wants their dogs and stuff taken away.”
Don’t be fooled by Smith’s easygoing attitude, however. Though she doesn’t care for conflict and would rather diffuse a situation peacefully, Smith said she won’t back down when it matters.
Smith took a four-day training course at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy in London, Ohio.
“It was really good training, had some really good instructors down there,” Smith said. ‘I’m still a little nervous about getting out there and doing everything correctly.”
Even with her nerves, Smith is looking forward to her new role at the Humane Society.
Humane Society Director Victoria Carmean commended Smith for her extensive large and small animal knowledge.
“We’re glad to have her as part of the Humane Society,” Carmean said.
Smith was appointed due to the resignation of former humane agent Tami Rike.