Montgomery County Animal Shelter needs help in interim of management change

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - After gnashing teeth over the purported mismanagement of the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, the Montgomery County Commissioners Court has yielded to public demand, primarily due to the circulation of an online petition garnered over 2,000 signatures. The petition called for the county commissioners to take control of the shelter “immediately,” and hire an experienced interim team to manage it.

An advisory board met in July with Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark, who volunteered to help with the transition of the shelter management to Dr. Ross. Although the meeting was closed to the public, the outcome has resulted in the commissioners terminating the contract more than a year early. At the August 11 County Commissioners Court meeting, the county commissioners voted unanimously to terminate the county’s contract with Care Corporation. The current contract wasn’t due to end until September 30, 2016.

Those who signed the petition and shelter volunteers, claim conditions deteriorated after Care Corporation was sold in January of this year to Dr. Aubrey Ross. Former Precinct 3 Tim Holifield and his wife, who formed the corporation, sold it upon Holifield’s retirement. The county continued the contract with the new ownership.

In the meantime, the county desperately needs a shelter to provide for the volume of strays and the litters of puppies and kittens. The volunteers still show up daily and dutifully perform the essential tasks of the day-to-day management of the shelter, but the need is great, and the situation if not dire, is desperate.

If unable to adopt a pet, the community can contribute with pet food, and many other essential items on the Wish List. To make a monetary donation click on Donate.

“If everyone does a little, it will add up to a lot,” said Carolyn Gerken, Chairman of A-Plus Caring, Community & Compassion, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that contributes throughout the year to organizations in need. The organization orchestrated a drive for pet food and other necessary items.

“We wanted to help, and also do something in memory of Holly, who was a shelter pet,” said Gerken. “Holly was our mascot for our organization’s pet-related projects. She just passed away July 17, at age 16. We provided what seemed like a forever home for her.”

A yellow lab/chow mix, large dogs like Holly don’t typically live to age 16. Only a loving and caring home will see animals reach amazingly long life spans. These are the kind of homes the animal shelter is looking for. They especially need loving homes for older pets. Lifespans should be taken into consideration when adopting a pet. Older pets are ideal for seniors or school students who eventually leave the home for college or the military.

No doubt the fur will continue to fly concerning the ongoing dispute over the management of the animal shelter. The disgruntled have the satisfaction of knowing their pleas did not fall on deaf ears, but they now need to turn their attention to saving the shelter. The same resources and momentum expended rallying the troops, is now needed to help the shelter during the interim phase. For information on how to help, call 936-442-7738, or view the website at Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Also visit the Montgomery County Animal Shelter Texas Facebook page.

“If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” ...Eldridge Cleaver.

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