Turning over the leash: Corning animal shelter has new caretaker
By Julie R. Johnson, Corning Observer, Calif. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Eaglebarger notes that through the years, the community has watched the shelter grow and start new programs, such as requiring spay and neuter for dogs of age before adoption, low cost spay and neuter for pit bulls, basic dog obedience classes, a new roof over the outside pens, and much more.
"It's been a long journey. But I accomplished what I came to do," she said. "I've been searching for two years for someone to keep things going and found it in
As well as being the caretaker, 58-year-old Eaglebarger founded Second Chance Pet Rescue, which became an enormous resource for the shelter's improvements through grants and donations.
Although sad about leaving the dogs at the shelter and the volunteers she has come to love, Eaglebarger looks forward to moving to
Following a
Williams and her husband will be moving into the city-owned mobile home on the animal shelter property on
Williams will not receive a salary from the city for her services, but will be compensated by living in the mobile home rent free. The city will be responsible for the structure's insurance.
She has lived in
Since becoming a volunteer, Williams' enthusiasm has grown as she took a shelter dog through obedience classes, works individually with shelter dogs teaching them to be calm, shaping good behavior, and doing all she can to make them adoptable.
"Oh, my goodness," Williams said. "I am excited, I am thrilled, I am nervous, and maybe a little scared. I have big shoes to fill. But I will be doing my best and will do my best to take care of the dogs and keep things running as well as they have in the past."
By contract with the city, Williams responsibilities will include performing minor maintenance on the mobile home, and pay for the home's utilities.
As shelter caretaker, her list of responsibilities is significant, starting with taking daily care of the dogs, which includes feeding, cleaning, and providing fresh water. Williams must also make sure the dogs have adequate heating and cooling when necessary. She is responsible for making sure the shelter grounds are kept in order and keeping the facility secure at all times.
Second Chance Pet Rescue has taken on the job of adopting out the dogs at the shelter and Williams will play a large part in the process.
When Eaglebarger took over the shelter in 2002 it was consider a "high kill shelter," but over the past 11 years the adoption rate increased dramatically and the euthanasia rate went from 86 percent to 5 percent.
___
(c)2013 the Corning Observer (Corning, Calif.)
Visit the Corning Observer (Corning, Calif.) at www.corning-observer.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Wordcount: | 653 |
Calif. Insurance Agent Accused Of Fraud
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News