Thornley and I became involved with the Bell County Friends of the Shelter due to our concern for the welfare and humane treatment of dogs and cats. Last summer someone abandoned a Brittany Spaniel pup in our neighborhood. She was emaciated and had the mange, but had good spirit about her. It seemed as no one would take the initiative to care for her, so I elected to take her to the Bell County Animal Shelter, hoping that she would get the medical attention she desperately need and eventually be adopted by a loving family.

The trip to the shelter was about ten miles and during that short time a mutual bond developed between us. Upon arrival to the shelter, I was greeted by the shelter attendant and she was quickly processed into the facility. I inquired as to what her prospects were for medical care and adoption, because I did not want her euthanized. The attendant informed me that Jennifer Nagle, the shelter director, would be making that decision. She wasn’t in at that time, so I requested that Jennifer call me in the event that the pup was designated to be euthanized.

Later that evening Jennifer returned my call. She explained that the dog was too sick for the shelter to care for and that due to the limited space available, the pup would have to be destroyed. I asked if I could pick up the pup and she agreed. After $500 plus in vet care, we have a beautiful black and white, lovable and energetic spaniel. We named her Lady Brittany and she is now an integral part of our family.

That experience with Lady and the Shelter has brought Thornley and I to high level of respect and appreciation as to the purpose the Shelter serves and its importance to our community. Even if Lady had been destroyed, that would have been a better alternative than her wandering around sick, hungry and unwanted for several weeks and then die a painful death. I appreciate Jennifer Nagle for the difficult decisions she must make as to which animals must be destroyed and her overall management of the facility. I also appreciate Dinah Presnell and all the active members of the Friends of the Shelter for their efforts. And on the bright side, many dogs and cats do get adopted into loving homes through the Shelter.

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Friends of the Shelter
P.O. Box 2534
Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965
606.337.2005
"A friend in need, a friend in deed."