Published: November 12, 2009 05:36 pm      

Animal shelter improvements on display this weekend

Somerset — This weekend, the public will get the chance to stop by the Pulaski County Animal Shelter and see first-hand the next step in the shelter’s long — and sometimes controversial — history.

“We’re going in a whole different direction,” said Pulaski County Judge-executive Barty Bullock. “I’m very proud of the progress that’s been done there.”

While the years haven’t been the best to the shelter, which sees a significantly high number of dogs and cats come through its doors, this weekend’s Open House is all about the good news.

In-house spay and neuter surgeries and vaccinations began last week at the shelter when 15 animals were sent to their forever homes.

“I’m really excited,” said Misty Wilson, shelter secretary. “Last Wednesday was a big success.”

The spay and neuter surgeries and vaccinations for adopted animals is expected to help clamp down on the county’s dog and catl overpopulation problem, which has resulted in the shelter and the county’s rescue organizations being overwhelmed by a high number of abandoned and stray animals.

The public’s reaction has been mixed, Wilson said. Some people were surprised to discover they wouldn’t be able to take their newly adopted animals home — now, those pets must stay at the shelter until the surgeries and vaccinations are performed. Veterinarian Tammy Bumgardner has volunteered her services every Wednesday at the shelter to ensure that every dog and cat undergoes the surgeries and vaccinations before going home.

“From our perspective, this really works out better,” Wilson said.

But the new policies about in-house procedures hasn’t been met with positive comments from everyone. Wilson said one man chose not to adopt an animal the week before when he realized the dog would be altered before going home. That man, Wilson said, was looking for a dog to breed.

This weekend, officials are hoping local families will be pleased with the shelter’s new surgery room — and they’re hoping some furry friends will be going home that day as well.

“We’d like to adopt everything that’s out there that day,” Bullock said.

Wilson is hoping this weekend’s event will be a hit.

“I’ve had several people already calling and asking about it,” Wilson said.

The Open House is slated for this Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter. Door prizes will be available, along with food and refreshments.