MIDLAND, Texas — After battling the viral distemper outbreak earlier this year, Midland Animal Services (MAS) is on the rebound and making strides to ensure the well-being of their furry friends.
Shelter Manager Melissa Griffin-Hobson said, "What's important to us is that the animals have a positive outcome and a place to call home."
It's been four months since the outbreak, but things are starting to turn around for MAS.
However, some of the same issues remain.
Griffin-Hobson said the shelter was seeing a lot more intakes in 2024 in comparison to the same seven months last year.
"We're looking at different ways to increase adoptions, increase our presence out in the community so that people understand the importance of spaying and neutering," Griffin-Hobson said.
One big focus right now is filling key positions like on-site veterinarians and animal care specialists.
"We do have two open positions for the veterinarians and we're recruiting with the University of Florida's shelter program in October," Griffin-Hobson said. "With the veterinarian, it would allow us to do our spaying and neuters in house, maybe treat animals that come in sick or injured without having to go to an outside veterinarian for care."
Griffin-Hobson also stated that, "With the animal care specialists, having that position allows us to spend more time with the animals other than just providing their basic needs. Having those play groups, getting them out for walks, working on some of those behavioral modifications."
That's not all. The shelter has also been rolling out new initiatives like a pet pantry for pet parents in need.
Griffin-Hobson said after the outbreak, the shelter looked at resources for the public to keep their animals at home versus surrendering, which is where the pantry came into play.
Plus, with missing dogs and cats, there is a new partnership to hopefully change that.
“With Petco [Love Lost], we're looking at having one place for a resident to go if they've lost or found a pet," Griffin-Hobson said. "Currently, many people might go to Facebook, or NextDoor or some will even come to the shelter. With Petco Love Lost, we know that everybody is going to the same place, which will increase the chances of an animal being returned to their owner.”
The shelter is hopeful these changes will make a real impact as West Texas continues to struggle with pet overpopulation.
That's why they're asking for community support to make a difference: by either fostering or adopting, one furry friend at a time.