Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Animal Protective Services (APS) is working hard to improve both the shelter and the agency’s old reputation, all for the love of animals.
APS has overcome many obstacles in the months since the sheriff’s office took over the management of the shelter, but the men and women at the facility have worked hard to build a better life for the animals, and a growing relationship with the community.
Sheriff Jody Greene has worked with both the state and the county to implement plans and guidelines to bring the shelter up to code. Donations from local businesses and anonymous donors have paved the way for sanitation stations throughout the shelter and a new lighting system.
The sheriff recently went before the County Commissioner’s Board to request permission to accept a $113,000 donation and as a result, new kennels are being purchased. Some are already installed, for both the cats in the feline room, and the dogs out on the main floor.
“We are looking to get a more advanced system installed to combat diseases that may occur at the shelter,” said Greene. “Parvovirus is a big concern and we wouldn’t want to endanger the other animals.”
Big plans are in place for the outside of the shelter, including the expansion of the fenced-in lawn.
“We want a place that can facilitate large animals too. We are animal control. Not just dog or cat control,” said the sheriff. “We want to be able to handle calls where cows or farm animals are involved. Some people don’t have the means to take care of and feed those types of animals when they get them, so we want to be able to help in that situation.”
A recreation area for the animals to run and play or for potential adopters to meet a new friend is also in the works. Allowing potential adopters to meet their new dogs and spend time with them in a controlled environment is one of many policy changes designed to improve animal adoptions, Greene said.
“We don’t just allow anyone to adopt these animals. Folks are being vetted as to who can adopt, and that’s something that we take seriously,” the sheriff explained.
Improvements for people, too
New vehicles were recently purchased for the animal control portion of the shelter. Greene said he took time to talk to people in the community about unanswered calls throughout county, and was determined to find out why. He discovered that the facility’s trucks had over 200,000 miles or more on the engines. At least one of the vehicles couldn’t pass inspection last year. The vehicles often left employees stranded down country roads and beside highways, sometimes with animals in cages in back.
“The majority of the calls are down dirt roads. My people weren’t able to get to where they needed to be, and that was a major concern,” he said.
The shelter has a staff of careful hands and big hearts. Each day the employees have a rigorous cleaning and care plan that has to be executed.
A complete walk through is done every morning where each kennel is cleaned of any soiled beds, blankets, or towels. Food and water bowls are removed, disinfected, and washed. Even the Kuranda dog beds are hung up and cleaned. Animals are removed from the soiled kennel to a clean one while workers disinfect and clean the enclosure with Husky Veterinarian Disinfectant. The kennels are dried individually, and the animals are placed back in the original kennel with clean beds and clean linens.
The cat enclosures are taken care of in the same manner, but litter pans are cleaned and disinfected. Fresh towels, litter, and food and water are provided to the felines in each enclosure.
Intake procedures
New arrivals are brought in multiple times a day. Employees carefully screen each animal before assigning it a kennel. A wellness check is performed and a body scaling form that rates the animal’s health is completed.
All injuries and concerns are noted that may need to be treated by a vet. The employees then vaccinate and deworm the animal they are bringing in. All health assessments and medications are documented along with the date it was given. Medications are administered that were prescribed by one of several vets the county works with. Stainless steel bowls have been secured to each enclosure so that the animal cannot knock over the dish, and so that staff can monitor whether or not the animal has taken the medication if the means of administration involve putting it in food or water.
Along with conducting wellness checks, employees clean and disinfect the kennels throughout the day. The staff files all paperwork associated with each animal in the facilities filing system. Paperwork and documentation are an absolute must at the shelter.
After providing all the care and attention to the animals, it’s hard not to forge a special bond with them.
This was definitely the case with a beautiful dog named Trooper.
Trooper’s story
Animal Service Officer Jimmy Moore received a call to check on the wellness of dog who locked inside of kennel with no shade, food, or water in broad daylight. A brown and white pitbull was at first thought to be deceased, but Moore realized that dog was still alive, and appeared to be having a heat stroke.
The officer found a water source and sprayed the dog down to lower its body temperature. He realized the fence was bolted shut with no way to gain entry so he enlisted the help of First Sgt. Brianna Smith.
Smith arrived on the scene and cut the kennel open to allow Moore access to the dog. The officers rushed the animal to vet where he was treated overnight while he received fluids. The dog was brought back to the shelter where he stayed a month while in recovery. The staff became attached to the dog, and allowed him to be the greeter for all the visitors at the shelter.
Finally on Monday, Sept, 27 Trooper, Troop for short, was adopted by an awesome family and is now be spoiled in his furever home, Smith said.
Trooper hasn’t been the only mascot at the shelter. Most of the animals get a turn at running around the office and answering the door.
Pucca, Charlie, Bruno, and Koda are all shelter dogs who often get the run of the place. Interacting with the animals on a day-to-day basis is only one of the perks of the job according to employees.
ASOs have different motivations
Smith said her favorite aspect is the transformation of the animals from shelter dog to adoptable pet.
“My favorite part is seeing the difference in each animal when it gets to APS and when it leaves. Seeing a positive transformation in their health and even their demeanor,” Smith said.
“I love making people smile and feel comfortable when we come to pick up stray animals,” Moore said. “I want them to feel comfortable knowing we will find them good homes.”
ASO Joshua Spivey believes in justice for the animals.
“I enjoy answering calls and making sure that the animals we are called to help receive the proper help. I like making sure that people are held accountable when it comes to mistreating animals,” said Spivey.
ASO Crissie Cox loves helping the animals and improving the shelter.
“Every day I look forward to seeing the many faces of the citizens of Columbus County walk through those doors. Hearing feedback on how great the shelter is becoming, getting phone calls from citizens thanking our staff for helping them find their perfect best friend, or seeing ‘happy ending’ photos after a pet is adopted from animal services, it makes my entire day,” she said.
ASO Samantha Baxley looks forward to giving unloved animals the attention they often miss before coming to the shelter.
“The part that stands out most to me is to give love to animals that have never seen any compassion or have never known a person to genuinely care about their well-being and seeing them day by day. To see them trust and love like they never have before. It really is an amazing process,” said Baxley.
Public help always welcome
The shelter is always in need of food and supplies. The APS wish list includes food for cats, dogs, and puppies; litter; pet beds; blankets and towels; laundry detergent and cleaning supplies like Pine Sol, Fabuloso, and 409. Those items can be purchased, but the biggest need at the shelter doesn’t come with a price tag.
“We need volunteers to walk, socialize, and play with the animals,” said Baxley. “We just want the community to come together, support us and the animals, and spend time here at the shelter.”
To volunteer or donate items, email animal.services@columbussheriff.com, or call the office at 910.641.3945.
