By Susi Pittman

How many of us have made the journey to an animal shelter or humane society adoption center and not wanted to take home every sad eye we looked at? What kind of dedicated people does it take, to every day care for, love and in many cases euthanize these poor creatures discarded as so much chattel? Who could handle all the carnage? And who could possibly be strong enough to go the distance of over 27 years in handling that job? One woman – Margaret Smith. Margaret has been the Executive Director of the Lake City/Columbia County Humane Society in Lake City, Florida, since 1983.

I arrived in Lake City in 1978 and met this incredible woman in 1983. She had just taken over as Director of what was then The Lake City Animal Shelter, a rickety old frame house that housed animals in a dismal environment, but that was all that was offered at the time. I watched as this woman worked tirelessly, night and day, to garner grants and donations to build a solid and modern facility in which to handle the large amount of animals that were left at the shelters doorstep.

What made Margaret tick, why the dedication? Just a step back in her history will tell you that for Margaret, it was “always about the animals.”

Margaret was born in Sydney, Australia, and to this day, she has that wonderful Aussie accent that charms Americans. She claims to have been born, “loving animals.” There were always dogs in the family although she was always bringing home other animals. A childhood dream of working at a Zoo passed as she grew into adulthood and had to make her way in the world. She arrived in Lake City, Florida, following her family members who had already made their homes there. While attending the county fair, she visited the animal shelter booth and joined the Humane Society there. She was so taken with the organization that the board of directors asked her to become its Treasurer. And within two years, she was asked to take the directorship for the shelter.

Margaret established a strong relationship with the County Commissioners and Sheriff’s Department, as she worked to enforce a county wide leash law and to educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering their domestic animals. In those days, in rural Florida, that was no easy task and she met tremendous opposition. Animals were allowed to run rampant, breeding unhindered and the new changes were not received well by some. I know this as fact as I worked as a feature writer for the local newspaper and followed her on many cruelty cases and ordinance violations. Seeing some of those cruelty cases and the eyes of those animals will haunt me the rest of my life. There was serious hostility and threats against her life. Her courage never failed to amaze me. When it came to helping any animal, she was fearless!

She worked 24/7. It wasn’t in her job description, but it was what Margaret saw as her job description. She wanted to care for the animals, to be an advocate for those who could not speak for themselves! She will be the first to tell you that she learned as she went. She was dedicated and intelligent and connected with people in government and in the community that could help the shelter’s cause. As time moved forward, Margaret saw her dream of a new facility become a reality. A new concrete building with all the “bells and whistles” was built. Then, more expansions, until today what was just a rickety old home of an animal shelter on a side street have become a large modern complex with fenced-in land for creatures of all genuses. It is truly a tribute to the hard work of a devoted animal lover and a community that embraced her love and work. As a matter of fact, the Adoption Center has now been named, the Margaret Smith Adoption Center.

Last Tuesday evening, January 26th, which just so happens to be Australia Day, a national day of celebration in all the states and territories, Margaret was honored with a retirement party at the Lake City Enrichment Center. After over 27 years of love, hope and leadership, this hero for the animals was acknowledged and praised by her community. The Mayor, the presiding president of the Lake City/Columbia County Humane Society, her Pastor, the shelter staff and a litany of other city notables were on hand to speak and make presentations honoring Margaret’s achievements and dedication. The editorial column from the Lake City Reporter stated:

When it comes to celebrating the dedication of this individual, the honor is ours.”

Asked what she planned to do in retirement, she said, “I will volunteer at the shelter and do some traveling.” Even now, she will continue to serve the animals and the people in the community.

Margaret, no one could possibly fill your shoes. Your legacy of 27 years in loving and caring for some of God’s most desolate creatures will always speak to all who know you and will be your legacy for all who hear of you.

Margaret’s parting words last Tuesday say it all: “I helped the animals, that’s the part I will miss the most.”

The world is a better place because of you, Margaret Smith!

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