Ed Matthews retirement sparks pet supply drives for Guilford County animals

Ed Matthews is turning the final stretch of his WFMY News 2 career into a practical boost for Guilford County Animal Services. Two pet supply drives at 980 Guilford College Rd. in Greensboro will run Wednesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 20, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving residents a chance to drop off supplies the shelter says it uses every day.

The shelter is asking for animal formula, rice, Miracle nipples, fragrance-free baby wipes, puppy pads, top-loading cat crates, Snuggle Safe discs, heating pads, self-warming cat mats, reusable grocery bags, training treats and cash donations. Those are not generic wish-list items. Formula and Miracle nipples help newborn animals, puppy pads and wipes reduce cleanup for litters and sick animals, and heating pads and self-warming mats help fragile pets stay warm in foster care and at the shelter.

The county is also making clear what not to bring: medications, soiled linens, opened food, used litter supplies, destructible toys, rawhides, bones, antlers and non-animal household goods. That kind of sorting matters because shelters have to protect animals from contamination, choking hazards and items that cannot be safely reused in shared spaces.

The drives also reflect Matthews’ long connection to animals and local giving. Matthews joined WFMY in August 1988 and is set to retire May 24 after nearly 38 years on Triad forecasts. During that span, he became part of the station’s pet-adoption work, and the 2 the Rescue initiative has helped save and adopt 2,772 pets since 2009. News Director Kim Ballard said Matthews has a “heart of gold” and pointed to his commitment to “people, pets, and safety.”

For Guilford County Animal Services, the need is immediate. The shelter says it cares for about 30 heartworm-positive dogs at any given time, and treatment runs from $500 to $800 per dog. Cash donations can help cover that bill directly, while supply drives free up money and staff time for medical care, cleaning and animal handling.

Guilford County Animal Services says adoptions are open noon to 4 p.m. every day except Tuesdays, and the shelter still needs foster families and volunteers. Friends of Guilford County Animal Shelter, a nonprofit partner, says its mission is to provide support, enrichment and advocacy for the animals and staff inside the building. For Matthews, the retirement sendoff is also a reminder that one donation can do more than fill a shelf. It can make room, stretch care and help the next animal leave Guilford County in better shape than it arrived.