FEATURE | BARC
Big changes for BARC
Plans for dog park , no-kill shelter set Anderson County Humane Society on new path
LISA TANG Palestine Herald-Press
With an intake of roughly 2,500 animals each year and a low adoption rate , BARC continues its struggle to care for Anderson County ’ s strays . However , leaders are setting the organization on a path to become a no-kill shelter in 2023 to improve opportunities .
The transition to a no-kill shelter is a challenging process . It means that if BARC reaches the goal of releasing 90 % of its animals alive , organizations such as Best Friends Animal Society can provide grants for rescue transports or operating costs .
Board members , employees and volunteers are working hard to meet the shelter ’ s goals . They are transporting dozens of animals per month to rescue organizations and are planning to provide more spay and neuter services to animals outside the shelter . Increasing adoptions and the number of animals in foster care can also help BARC reach no-kill shelter status .
A lack of local regulations is causing the runaway problem . East Texas has a 63 % population of strays , which is higher than other parts of the state and the nation . Moreover , spay and neuter laws and enforcement against pet owners are less stringent in Texas than in other states .
New Dog Exercise and Play Park
Meantime board members are looking to improve the animals ’ quality of life with a Dog Exercise and Play Park on grounds of the old animal shelter . A rummage sale in June raised roughly $ 8,000 to improve the area and provide a place where dogs can play , run , and swim outdoors . Exercise and play benefit the canines ’ mental and social development .
Much is needed for the park , such as materials and labor for mending broken fences and gates and construction of shady areas and agility equipment for dogs and puppies . BARC also needs a power washer to clean the outdoor dog cages .
Donors can earmark funds specifically for the park , build agility equipment , or donate Kong doggie toys and supplies such as Purina dog food or blankets for the dogs . For information on needed donations , contact Board President James Turnage at ( 903 ) 724-8906 .
Work began in June with a facelift to the former animal shelter . Lacey Price of Jacksonville painted signs and walls with pup-themed cartoons in bright colors . She donated her artistic talent and more than two weeks of labor while the shelter paid for paint and supplies .
Price also painted murals inside the main building . Her art now adorns the shelter ’ s meet and greet rooms and the lobby where people
BARC volunteers Chloe and Sawyer Shawn ( seated ) and employee Kacie Rhoades ( standing ) cuddle with cats in the shelter ’ s lobby .
LISA TANG | PALESTINE HERALD-PRESS
come to play and cuddle with pets before adopting them . Price told Palestine Magazine that as a pet owner , she enjoys painting the murals . “ I love animals so I like being able to help ,” she said .
More Help Wanted
A handful of dedicated volunteers are improving the animals ’ lives as they socialize and play in designated areas or walk them outdoors . However , many more volunteers are needed to visit dozens of others inside . Volunteers are also needed for foster programs , animal care and exercise , and specialized services such as grooming .
On a Friday afternoon this summer , Sawyer and Chloe Shawn of Palestine , ages 8 and 10 , were accompanied by their mom to play with the shelter animals as volunteers . They cuddled with cats and kittens in the feline adoption room and played with puppies in the canine meet and greet room . Chloe explained why she likes volunteering at the shelter . “ Because I love animals and I ’ m good with animals ,” she said . Karen Clakley is another volunteer who walks dogs and socializes with them . She took a quiet pit bull mix named Sir Galahad outside to the shelter ’ s front yard where she gently rubbed his head and remarked on his improving demeanor .
6 | PALESTINE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022