Two-minute impact
Along with the fast-growing human population in Bastrop comes an equally fast-growing pet population. To address that, shelter officials said they hope to build an additional kennel building to house more abandoned pets.
"Our shelter is always overcapacity," said Wendy Ballard, Bastrop County Animal Services coordinator. "Extending our shelter housing capabilities would truly help save lives from euthanasia."
Bastrop County Animal Services was granted additional land next door to the shelter to build the new kennel building. This additional building will increase the kennel capacity of 90 significantly, Ballard said, adding that it has been 20 years since they were able to extend kennel capacity to house more homeless pets.
"It will be a long process and likely a few years down the road before completion, but this event will help us move in the right direction," Ballard said.
What's happening?
The fall festival fundraiser on Nov. 4 will not only raise money through monetary donations, raffles and a silent auction, but it will also offer the community a chance to just have fun.
Some of the activities that day will include:
- A kids zone
- A donkey photo booth
- A petting zoo
- Holiday photos with Santa Claus
- Food trucks
- Sweet treats
Another way to help is to volunteer time. Volunteers can assist in multiple capacities at the shelter, including being dog walkers; kennel assistants; adoption event assistants; cattery companions and greeters; helping with transportation; and more.
Fostering is another way to help combat the growing homeless pet population. Foster parents help by caring for orphaned puppies and kittens who need to be bottle fed and/or are not yet fully vaccinated, or fully grown pets who just need a place to stay until a rescue is available.
What else?
Recently, the shelter had to close intake to complete state-mandated renovations to the kennels that were outdated.
The shelter will officially reopen the day of the fundraiser, and officials will offer $15 pet adoptions for those looking to acquire a new furever family member.
