Friends of Shelter needing more

Friends of the Jacksboro Animal Shelter is seeking volunteers to help fulfill a vision.

Since its organization nearly a decade ago, the Friends have worked diligently to aid in the needs of the city’s animal shelter. One of the biggest needs is a new facility.

In 2018, that dream took its first step toward reality. The land located directly in front of the current facility on Highway 380 West became available and was eventually deeded to the city for the express purpose of building a new shelter.

Now, the real work has begun, and groundbreaking has been set for the early part of 2020. The Friends will play an essential role behind the scenes helping raise money to supplement the City of Jacksboro’s designated funds earmarked for the new shelter.

“That’s a really big venture for us,” said Kim Gibby, Friends of the Jacksboro Animal Shelter president. “We already have several CDs from grant money we’ve received just waiting on the project’s needs.”

While the new shelter is a huge part of the Friends vision, they must continue with their day-to-day obligations.

“We always need help with our monthly bake sale/adoption events, rescues and spay/neuter programs,” Gibby stated.

In the past 5 years, the Friends have partnered with PETS (Prevent Euthanization Through Sterilization) Program. They have sent hundreds of dogs and cats on the PETS bus in hopes that by “altering” these animals less will end up the shelter.

In order to facilitate these endeavors, Friends of the Jacksboro Animal Shelter needs more members. A “re-organizational” meeting is set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the city fire station conference room on North Church Street.

Members will be tasked with raising funds for the shelter’s needs and providing financial aid for the spay/neuter program, traditionally with bake sale/adoptions and yearly raffles. They will also play a big part in the new shelter.

Anyone with a desire to become a member of the Friends of the Jacksboro Animal Shelter is encouraged to attend.