Animal services chief: No-kill already working in Manatee

Now that you have had the no-kill plan outlined in this column, the plan is scheduled for a vote today by the county commissioners.

We have already implemented a number of programs, so the commissioners have seen our plan and can see our desire for Manatee County to become a no-kill community.

In the past few months, a lot of good things have taken place. Excitement is in our community to see us achieve this goal.

Caryn Hodge, marketing director for the Chiles Restaurant Group, put together a meeting with a few of us to discuss the need for better photos of our dogs and cats. We agree that none of us is a professional photographer and we need help.

Since our meeting, Caryn has at least eight photographers on board. All are willing to give their time to take photos of the dogs and cats at Animal Services. Our plan is to place each of the photographers on a rotating schedule to capture the natural essence of each animal in various settings. Our dogs and cats are special, each in their own way. We want everyone to see their true character and personality, outside the confines of the shelter cage.

We also have volunteer foster coordinators who are working with people interested in fostering through the animal welfare organizations. If you are interested in the foster program, an open house has been scheduled from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Central Library in downtown Bradenton, 1301 First Ave. W. The foster coordinators will be present to answer any questions.

Foster people are needed for bottle babies (those too young to eat on their own and without their mother), senior dogs and cats, and all those in between. Some may have medical issues or may be just in need of a temporary place to live until they are adopted. Find a place in your heart to help a homeless animal. Come to the open house and find out what fostering is all about.

Each month, Animal Services has a new adoption special. Our adoption team at Animal Services will continue to come up with new and creative specials. For October, we have “Howl-O-Ween.” Any dog is available for a $40 adoption fee. Adopt today! We know your new family member is right here at Animal Services.

Luke Berglund, DVM, Beach Veterinary Clinic, is our medical director. Dr. Berglund has been instrumental in making sure we are doing everything properly, from cleaning to animal medical needs. We want to provide the best care for each and every animal while they are at Animal Services.

Becoming a no-kill community is not an easy task. Becoming a no-kill community cannot happen overnight. Becoming a no-kill community is in the hearts of all the staff at Animal Services, the animal welfare organizations and the animal lovers in Manatee County. Becoming a no-kill community cannot be done without the support and assistance from the animal welfare organizations and the animal lovers in Manatee County. Help us help the animals -- they all deserve a chance.

Check out Manatee County Animal Services on Facebook. Like us and share us with all your friends. Our web site www.mymanatee.org/pets has a wealth of information, including your new family member for adoption.

Kris Weiskopf, chief of Manatee County Animal Services, writes this weekly column for the Bradenton Herald.

This story was originally published October 11, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Animal services chief: No-kill already working in Manatee."