Local realtor helps raise funds to improve MCAS dog parks

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Every day at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, staff and volunteers are constantly working hard to find new homes for unwanted pets or strays. The 26,000 square foot facility, located at 8535 SH 242, cares for an average of 500 cats and dogs daily.

For the dogs at MCAS, it is crucial that they get social interaction and time outdoors to increase their chances of adoption. Mary Bowen, a resident of The Woodlands and volunteer at the shelter, is doing what she can to help MCAS by raising money for the shelter’s dog parks or other needs. In support of the shelter and its animals, Mary, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker United, will be donating $200 for each new closing she has until the end of the year.

Every Wednesday night, Mary can be found at the MCAS volunteering her time with what is known as “Wednesday Night Dog Walking,” an effort to walk all of the dogs at the shelter. It was not long after Mary started volunteering that the whole family joined in on the fun. Wednesday Night Dog Walking is now a family affair for The Bowens, along with other countless volunteers who come together to get the dogs out of the housing rooms and into sunlight, allowing them to play and receive social interaction.

“The dog park gives the dogs an opportunity to run and play to keep them socialized so they don’t get stir crazy,” said Mary. “It gives them a chance to get out of the adoption rooms and just be dogs. Anything we can do to make it better for the dogs and keep them in good spirits.”

The Bowen's stated that they are so impressed and in awe of the MCAS staff and volunteers that they wanted to help where they could and be a small part of such a great organization.

"So many people volunteer countless hours of their time, services and homes to theses animals that we wanted to be a part of it," said Mary. Time and time again we have seen MCAS and MCASociety save injured and sick animals that other shelters would have just put down. We are truly humbled by the dedication of staff and volunteers."

Mark Bowen, Mary’s husband, didn’t hesitate to help join in on the effort. The General Manager for Nature’s Way Resources, a local manufacturer of organic landscaping supplies safe for children and pets, Mark donated 18 yards of mulch for the improved dog parks.

“Mary and I are all about the animals,” said Mark. “Many times, more dogs are coming into the shelter than there are homes. MCAS has a super dedicated board and staff. When you see dogs have a good experience and all the love they receive, it helps them have a better chance of getting adopted. The shelter just needs all the help they can get in getting the word out and encouraging people to adopt, neuter and spay.”

Mark and Mary understand how much MCAS has an impact on unwanted and stray animals. The Bowens have adopted two dogs from the shelter, one of which was in extremely bad condition when she first arrived at MCAS.

“Our second dog from MCAS came in with hide hanging off her back and wounds from neck to tail. She was in isolation for six weeks with her back raw. The shelter helped her, and we wanted to help the shelter in return,” said Mary.

The shelter is always in need of more volunteers for Wednesday Night Dog Walking, as well as other areas such as bathing dogs, playing with cats and kittens, and helping with adoption events. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit the Montgomery County Animal Shelter website or call 936-442-7738.