Local Animal Shelter Looking for Funds and Volunteers

By Chris Cole,
Staff Writer

If you happened to be driving past Tractor Supply Company along Old Gallatin Road on Friday, Oct. 11, you might have seen Scooby-Doo waving at you. He wasn’t there to solve a mystery or to get Scooby snacks. He was there to help his fellow canine and feline friends as part of a fundraising effort to benefit the Allen County Animal Shelter. There were also dogs on site that are looking for a forever home. With limited space at the shelter, it’s becoming all the more important that the animals they have find good people to go home with.

“We have probably around 40 (dogs) and probably 20 something cats. We only have 10 cages for cats (so) we’re overcrowded for cats as well,” said Jonathan Carter, the man responsible for organizing the fundraising event.

Carter then went on to say that the Allen County Animal Shelter has made a request for some grant money.

“The grant application is for a spay and neutering and is in the process,” he said. “I think we put in for $1,500 and the county was going to add $1,000 to help spay and neuter.”

While at first it might seem cruel to spay and neuter pets, Carter stated that the Allen County Animal Shelter and many others like it are facing an over population of pets and that trying to take care of them all is becoming increasingly difficult.

The task becomes more difficult when people bring in a dog or a cat and are misleading as to why they’re being brought in. Carter and a couple other volunteers stated that someone will bring in a dog or a cat claiming its a stray. However, there have been instances where the animal has been micro-chipped and its been revealed that the person claiming the animal is a stray actually was the owner.

“Just be honest with us,” pleaded Carter. “There are many legitimate reasons why you might have to surrender a pet. Maybe your landlord doesn’t allow animals. Maybe taking care of them is too much. Just be honest, we won’t think anything bad of you.”

As for the animals they take in there is a procedure that has to be followed.

“The state law says we have to hold a stray five days. So after that fifth day we put it up for adoption. Owner surrenders can be adopted that day,” said Carter.

This event was just one of several that have been held throughout the year. Usually organized by the Friends of the Allen County Animal Shelter who assist the shelter staff, you’ll usually find them set up at Tractor Supply Company with a handful of the dogs or cats available for adoption. There are times though when a fundraiser will be held and no animals are present.

“We’ve got one (coming up) at Dumont Hill, their Halloween thing. Then Alpha Pet Boarding is doing one the very next day. We’ll be there and set up, talking with the people,” said Carter.

If you’re interested in volunteering with the Allen County Animal Shelter or have any questions, the best way to do that and get answers is to “call the office anytime and ask us. We’re always available to answer questions. And if they want to come out and volunteer to walk the dogs or whatever, just come on out during business hours,” Carter stated.

The hours are Monday noon-4 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-noon

“We just appreciate people coming out and helping us. That’s what we’re there for, trying to get all of them homes. We’re full and we need the help,” said Carter as the interview concluded.