In the quaint town of Corpus Christi, Texas, the Ingleside Animal Shelter is nestled within the heart of the community – a temporary haven for stray and lost dogs. Among these canine residents is Jet, a charming dog known for his playful antics and gentle demeanor. He, along with his furry companions, usually follows a predictable routine. However, this Thanksgiving, a delightful surprise awaited them.
The shelter, bustling with dedicated Animal Control Officers, was excited as each dog received a special Thanksgiving treat: a bowl filled with savory turkey. This small gesture of kindness delighted the dogs and brought immense joy to the officers, who cherished seeing their canine friends’ delighted reactions.
Leading the efforts at this provisional shelter is Tammy Burr, the Ingleside Police Chief. She sheds light on the shelter’s history, noting that Ingleside never had its animal shelter. “The city of Ingleside has always rented space from someone else,” Burr explains. This reality highlights the shelter’s commitment to providing care despite limited resources.
The shelter’s current rented building location has been home to these dogs for a few months. According to Lidsey Mata, an animal control officer, their first step upon rescuing a dog is to check for a microchip. If none is found, the dog is brought to the shelter. Despite having only ten kennels and some office space, with the dogs housed outdoors, the shelter operates at full capacity, ensuring each animal receives the care they need.
Burr points out the challenges they face, especially during colder weather. In a generous act, one of the animal control officers donated a white tent to shelter the dogs from the cold. This gesture is a testament to the staff’s dedication to the well-being of these animals, a daily struggle but one they embrace wholeheartedly.
Yet, there’s a beacon of hope on the horizon. After four and a half years of persistent efforts, the dream of a new shelter is finally becoming a reality. “We’ve been pushing for a new shelter…and finally, it’s come to fruition,” Burr shares with a sense of accomplishment. The new shelter, expected to be ready by September next year, promises a warmer, more inviting environment with ample space for the dogs to play and thrive.
Located next to the Recycling Center, the new Ingleside Animal Shelter site was recently marked by a groundbreaking ceremony, a symbolic step towards a brighter future for the animals. As a kennel technician, Rebecca Trevett, says, “It will be a more inviting and warm environment, plus there will be more space to have fun.”
This Thanksgiving at Ingleside Animal Shelter marks a festive celebration and a milestone of new beginnings and renewed hope. It’s a story of a community coming together, of compassion and persistence, and a testament to the enduring spirit of those who dedicate their lives to the welfare of animals.