Bryan Animal Center

Until the story printed May 2, 2010 in ""the Eagle"" this week, I did not know much about our only animal shelter. What I learned is the staff and the volunteers that spend everyday taking care of our homeless, lost and unwanted pets, are wonderful, highly educated and caring people. Contacts with other shelters and animal welfare organizations hold them the Brazos Animal Shelter in high regard.\r There is a group in our community ""Brazos Animal Allies"" led by Councilman Mike Southerland, and members formerly on the animal ordinance IGC committee who would want us to think otherwise. They spout false information, are unwilling to answer direct questions and make inaccurate comparisons of other cities despite the enormous demographic differences. On the shelters facebook page, there are stories of animals sent to rescue groups abound, but they profess to be animal rescue groups the shelter refuses to work with, but will not identify themselves. As a business owner, I would never work with a vendor that spoke badly of my business to the public, why should a non-profit, if there are other rescue groups to take their place I would do the same.. \r Sadly, this group is comprised of individual with clear personal agendas unwilling to see reality. \r On a positive note, their ignorance caused me to educate myself on an issue I knew nothing about. \r I am now a monthly donor to a great organization. If you are looking for a pet, be sure to go to the Brazos Animal Shelter. My experience going thier was exceptional. Pros: Honesty and Integrity Cons: Pet Overpopulation, Brazos Animal Allies more

The Shelter has many volunteers who are doing community service that has been court mandated. These volunteers do everything from scooping poop, cleaning of the kennels to feeding, bathing and playing with the sheltered animals. Its a great way to learn responsibility and what it takes to really care for an animal. The only negative is there is lots of turnover withinn the volunteers, because some are just there to take care of their court order. Any animal lover , future pet owner or vet students should check out volunteering at the Shelter. 18 yrs or older can volunteer.\r When you first walk in you are greeted by the staff and asked if you need any help. If you just want to look that's fine too, but if you have lost a pet or seriously thinking of adopting you should let a regular staff member know. They can help you locate your lost pet or introduce you to the type of pet you are looking to adopt. \r I just went through a Foster Orientation with the shelter. In this 45 minute class I learned more about the Shelter and its services to the animals & people in our community. Check it out; you too could become a volunteer or Foster Home for a dog or cat that really needs you! Thank you Brazos Animal Shelter for your committment to the animals & people in our community. Pros: Great Place to Volunteer Cons: Turnover more