The first month of operation for the new DeKalb Animal Shelter has been a great success.
“We have been open for a full month now and we have had 72 cats and dogs through our shelter. We have 49 in house right now. Twenty one have been adopted as of this afternoon. We had two adoptions today,” said Megan Moore, Director of the local shelter who addressed the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen during their regular monthly meeting Monday night.
Moore said over $1,700 has been generated through the shelter and all that money goes right back into running the facility.
“We have brought in $1,708 total in the first month. We’re doing quite well and that money stays in the shelter. We pay our vet bills and any medical needs that arise and normal everyday stuff. Everything it takes to function like paper towels, cleaning agents and stuff like that. That all stays in the shelter,” said Moore.
Along with Moore, the shelter has a part time employee James Wilkerson, who are both employed by the City of Smithville. But Moore said volunteers have pitched in to help.
“Without volunteers it wouldn’t be possible for it (shelter) to function the way it does. We need volunteers during the day. There are so many things that need to be done. It takes a lot of time. Right now our part time guy, who had an accident Sunday, will be out for just a little bit but I made some phone calls this morning (Monday) and people came in and helped,” Moore continued.
In addition to volunteers, Moore said the community has also responded to the call for donations.
“I want to thank everyone for supporting us. We have had a lot of donations come in. That has been great. We have asked for cat food, dog food, puppy food, detergent for our laundry and dishwasher, people have really come through for us and helped out so much”.
Although the bricks have arrived they have not yet been placed.
“The bricks are in but are not laid. We are waiting on the weather and we’ll have to decide where they will be placed. I think they will be placed in front of the building. We’re planning to plant some crepe myrtles out there too,” Moore said.
Anyone wanting to purchase bricks to honor or remember a person, pet or to have other tributes engraved on them may do so.
“It’s an ongoing order. Anytime we get 15 or more requests for bricks we can place an order, they will ship them to us, and they will replace the plain bricks we have down. Forms are available at the shelter,” said Moore.
If you would like to volunteer or adopt a pet, especially with the Christmas holiday upcoming, you may stop by the shelter at 186 Transfer Station Road, located behind Tenneco off Highway 70 east in Smithville. The phone number is 615-597-1363.
Adoption Fees for Dogs Unaltered: $90 (includes a $50 dollar refundable spay/neuter deposit). You will be refunded the $50 dollars deposit with proof of alteration within 30 days. $40 altered Cats: $20/$30.
Moore said the shelter is planning to have adoption events soon and will have pets available during Christmas on the Square Thursday night downtown.
Pet lovers may see what the shelter has to offer on the DeKalb Animal Coalition Facebook page.
The shelter is under the operation of the DeKalb Animal Coalition, a non-profit 501 c 3 organization.
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