Excelsior Springs Animal Shelter

April 12, 2012

A long awaited opening has finally occurred: The new Excelsior Springs Animal Shelter is now open!

Often when you think of "the dog catcher," the image you get is of the grouchy man with the net, out to get every animal he can put his hands on. When you picture the dog pound, you probably envision sad animals waiting on death row. I can tell you from personal experience that is not what I see when I think of animal control and animal shelters in Excelsior Springs. Kristina Baxter and Melissa Davis truly care for the animals they rescue. They work tirelessly to keep the animals that they are in charge of happy and healthy. They are so excited, often to tears, when they see one of these animals get adopted by a new owner and going to a good home. Getting the new shelter up and running is a wonderful way to celebrate Prevention of Animal Cruelty month.
 
Let me put aside the myth that adopting a dog from a shelter is a problem and not as good as purchasing an animal from a breeder. My dogs (pictured) both came from the Excelsior Springs animal shelter. "Lady" was found wandering in an apartment complex parking lot by a police officer. When the supposed owners were approached, they denied the dog was theirs. She is the most precious loving dog who knows when I have had a bad day and will just sit with her head on my lap and give me a kiss when I least expect it. My second dog, "Tramp," was confiscated by animal control the third time neighbors complained that two dogs were wrapped up in their chains. His sister was adopted shortly after arrival, but Tramp had been waiting for six weeks for his forever home. He is the source of many nights of entertainment and laughter as well as a wonderful companion for his sister when I am not home.

You can help stop the cruelty to animals not only by adopting a shelter animal, but also by getting your pets spayed/neutered so that there are no unwanted litters that are abandoned. Also, report any abuse you see to the local authorities. ASPCA is asking animal lovers to wear orange this month to show their support and bring awareness to others that animal cruelty needs to stop. This is a problem that we can stop if everyone gets involved.

Angela H.
Excelsior Springs Branch