Brighter and better [Laurel Leader-Call, Miss.]

Nov. 29--LAUREL -- With rumors of a possible closure of the Laurel Jones County Animal Rescue League behind them, members of the organization's board of directors are moving toward a brighter and better future.

Board President Cynthia Parsley said moving forward has meant changes at the animal rescue league (ARL), however. The facility now has what Parsley calls a "two and a half-member" staff to maintain the daily operations of the animal shelter at 2511 Moose Drive in Laurel.

"Michelle Holifield is our new manager," said Parsley. "Harrison Evans is assistant manager and Robert Sumrall is our weekend staff member."

Parsley said Sumrall works on the weekends in order for Holifield and Evans to have a day off. A new staff was hired after long-time director Denise Bozeman was suspended in August and two other employees walked off their jobs in protest. All three decided not to return.

"Our new staff is doing a wonderful job," said Parsley. "Things are going well."

Prior to hiring a new staff, board members manned the facility and cared for the animals. The board also received assistance from volunteers.

Holifield was first hired to assist the board as they went through a phase of transition and initiated a search for a manager for the facility.

"There she was sitting right her under our nose," said Parsley. "She has proven to be a good choice."

Holifield said her love for animals prompted her to volunteer at the shelter. She was delighted when the board showed confidence in her by offering her the managerial position.

"I had no background in running an animal shelter, only a love for animals," she said. "I learned everything I know from Ms. Parsley. She's a great teacher.

"Ms. Parsley is very dedicated," added Holifield. "You couldn't ask for a better person to serve as president of the board,"

Parsley said she is no expert when it comes to animals. Like Holifield, she became involved with the rescue league out of a love for animals and a little encouragement from friends. The 53-year-old retiree said that since she had some free time, working with ARL seemed to be a great way of giving back to the community.

"Loving and caring for animal is not rocket science," said Parsley. "It's easy once you get the hang of it."

Holifield said perhaps the most difficult part of working at the rescue league is learning all of the required medical information. Staffers have to know what animals have had what shots and other important medical information. They also have to keep an accurate census of the animals housed at the facility.

"We have been blessed to have someone donate us a computer and a new file cabinet," said Parsley. "This allows Michelle to keep better command of the census and medical information."

Parsley added that visitors to the facility will find a number of "new things" at the shelter. There are new doors to the laundry room and kennel area for the dogs.

"There use to be a metal door here," Parsley said of the door that leads to the kennel. "A lot of people wanted to see the animals, but didn't want to go in there with all of the animals."

Other improvements include the addition of gates in the kennel areas which keep the animals from getting out when they shouldn't.

"Right now we have 44 dogs and pups and 23 cats," said Parsley. "We have had a great last couple of months. We have been able to adopt several animals."

Holifield's face lights up when she shares that three dogs were adopted this week along. She said the shelter is averaging a couple of adoptions a week.

Among the recently adopted animals is a dog named Clumsy.

According to Parsley, Clumsy had been at the shelter since Sept. 2. 2001. She said everyone was delighted when someone finally welcomed the dog into their home.

"Our goal is to find loving, forever homes for all of these precious animals," said Parsley. "We are a no-kill facility."

The facility, which is celebrating 30 years of service to the community, is also a non-profit organization. And like other organization and agencies, ARL is facing financial difficulties because of the country's economic woes.

Parsley said ARL has received overwhelming love and support from the community during the past three months. The public has donated finances, supplies and much more.

"We have been so blessed," she said. "I believe every school in the county has supplied us with food, cleaning supplies, blankets, toy treats, etc.

"We have also received generous donations from people as gifts in memory of loved ones," said Parsley. "This has enabled us to use the money we have to do some remodeling and spruce up things around here. We've had wonderful support from the business community, as well."

Also, Parsley said that during the past 90 days, ARL has had community service workers and volunteers to put in about 600 volunteer hours. She said everyone seems to be rallying behind the animal shelter, even the business community.

Among area businesses lending their support are Pet Sense, Walmart, Raising Canes, Parkside Animal Clinic, The Loft and Southern Tire Mart. A number of ARL fundraisers are also planned.

"Finances, food and supplies are an ongoing need," said Parsley. "We are a non-profit organization and we rely on the support of the community.

"Although we have cut our cost around 30 to 35 percent, it still generally cost us between $4,500 to $5,000-a-month to maintain the facility and pay utilities and insurance."

Individuals interested in donating, food, bedding, cleaning supplies, soft treats may phone 601-649-0821. Monetary donations may be mailed to P. O. Box 2671, Laurel, MS 39442.

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