Monday, January 12, 2009

New Animal Shelter Operations

Well, 2008 is in the books. I can't say it was the best year we ever had, but it will be the most memorable. I know several people have remarked that the flood brought out the best in the community and helped to strenthen it. If so, I am glad some good will come from that devastating event.

This past month, the City entered into an agreement with a non-profit group called the Friends of the Shelter, Inc. which also goes by its acronym, FOTSI. This group had volunteered at the city-owned pound previously, but wanted to do more for the animals. The agreement allows the city to concentrate on flood recovery and other public services, while FOTSI can concentrate more on caring for the animals. The shelter is currently closed to the general public, but will reopen in March.

FOTSI hopes to build a new shelter in the future. If you wish to donate time, material or money to their cause, you can call (319) 472-4623 or send a note to FOTSI, PO Box 82, Vinton, IA 52349.