Mason County’s animal shelter has come a long way since new managers, Gary and Betty Trout began on August 15, 2007.

Prior to that, the shelter operated with few resources and was far too overcrowded with dogs and cats, nearly 400 animals at a facility designed for about 50 dogs and 36 cats. There were animals stuffed in cages or tied up outside. It was a mess.

Thanks to the wonderful support of Best Friends network members and the tireless efforts of rescues and volunteers, the folks at Furry Friends, A Forever Home, and the outgoing Mason County Animal Shelter Group Inc staff, all but a few of the animals were placed before Gary and Betty took over on August 15. And since then a newly-formed volunteer team and Furry Friends Network(http://www.furryfriendsnetwork.com) members have continued to collaborate with rescues to place the animals. This has allowed Gary and Betty to clean up and begin establishing procedures.

Last week one of Best Friends’ founders, Gregory Castle, and two staffers visited the shelter and spent some time with Gary and Betty, the Mason County Commissioners (Rick Handley, Miles Epling and Bob Baird), and County Administrator John Gerlach as well as interested citizens. Gregory Castle described, “It is clear that Gary and Betty care very much for the animals. They have done an amazing job of cleaning up the shelter and work hard to care for the animals. The commissioners and county administrator impressed us with their commitment to the shelter and the animals. They are even interested in education about animals in their schools. We saw the possibilities of a community effort to improve the shelter’s operation and lower admissions rates.”

Best Friends is compiling a report of the visit and findings and will offer recommendations to the County as part of a continuing effort to help the shelter.

How You Can Help

This is a relatively poor community, and the shelter could use help with some supplies. Best Friends has provided a computer and digital camera. The county commissioners plan to add a new van or truck. The Humane Society of Parkersburg has provided a copier/fax/printer. Here is a wish list. Take a look and see if there is anything you might be able to supply. The shelter’s address is 1965 Fairground Road, Point Pleasant, WV 25550. The shelter’s number is (304) 675-6458.

Large and extra large plastic animal carriers
Dog and cat toys/balls
Kuranda Dog Beds (www.Kuranda.com)
Walmart gift cards
Lowes gift cards
Canned dog and cat food and treats
Dog collars and leashes
Cat litter and pans
Cat nip
Brushes, nail clippers
Plastic spray bottles
Dog pillows
Unspillable metal water bowls
Towels
Commercial 25 and 50 foot garden hoses
File cabinets
Rubber storage bins/tubs all sizes
Medical supplies like triple bacterial ointment, flea and tick prevention such as Frontline or Advantage, Capstar to kill fleas in 24 hours for the animals that arrive infested; heartworm prevention, 7-1 vaccination, Clavamox, Parvo vaccination, Parvaid, Baytil Otic for ear infections, ear cleanser/flush, Pyoben or similar medicated shampoo Resi-Chlor or similar medicated leave on lotion, Cephalexin 500 mg.

Consider volunteering for the shelter! If you can help with phone or internet work, you can do it all at home from anywhere in the U.S.! If you live nearby, you can help walk the dogs and play with the cats, transport animals to the vet or rescues or help at adoption events. Contact MCASRescues-owner@yahoogroups.com for more information.

Also, take a look at the wonderful animals available for fostering or adoption at http://masoncounty.petfinder.com If you are interested in anyone, just email MCASRescues-owner@yahoogroups.com for more information!

Visit the Mason County Animal Shelter community site on the Best Friends network for more news about the shelter. http://network.bestfriends.org/mcas

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