The new dog run has been installed at Fannin County Animal Control and the dogs are already getting to experience its benefits.
“It’s been such a great addition because before the only interaction we could have with them was on a leash and they don’t show their true personality when you’re walking them or when they’re in a kennel,” Volunteer Debbie Williams said. “Out here we get to see how they really are, their true personalities. It lets us see how they interact with other dogs safely, without us just having to hold them on a leash and hope that nothing happens.”
According to Williams, the dog run provides a space for potential adopters to get a feel for the dogs and see more of their personalities.
“It’s really been good for potential adopters,” she said. “We had one guy who came, who was interested in one of our dogs, he came several days and played ball, just sat with the dog, loved on it and they just to got to know each other. He adopted the dog and I’ve seen pictures, it looks like it’s working out great.
“It helps the volunteers be able to assess what the dogs are like, which also helps potential adopters and rescues. We work a lot with rescues, and they always want to know, ‘What’s the dog like? What are they like with other dogs? How do they interact with children?’
“It helps potential adopters be able to bring their dog or their child and, in a safe environment, be able to see how they’re going to interact.”
Animal Control Officer J.R. Cornett said the department is looking into buying benches for the volunteers and visitors to be able to sit while they spend time with the dogs in the run.
Williams believes the facility could always use more volunteers.
“We’re appreciative of anything anyone can do,” she said. “We’re always in need of more volunteers.”
The volunteers also intend to auction off baskets at the annual Paws in the Park event to raise money for the dogs’ vetting.
“We’re going to be raffling off gift baskets to try and raise vetting money because the county doesn’t pay for them to get heart worm tests, to be on heart worm/flea preventative, things like that,” Williams said. “So we’ve been doing that but it’s a way that we can raise money to try to supplement that because they all need that here.”
Williams expressed the volunteers’ appreciation stating, “We’re so grateful for the donations. We’re grateful for the county contribution too, but it couldn’t have happened without the donations from citizens.”
Animal Control is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The facility can be reached at 706-632-3845.