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BY DACIA GARCIA
In 2024, Bastrop County Animal Services found families for 503 dogs. The number has since grown, with a current yearly adoption number of over 900 dogs. While the adoption increase has helped the center, director Jill Gunn and animal services coor- dinator Wendy Ballard said the team is working hard to nd more furry friends permanent homes in the Bastrop area. What’s changing? Over the past year, the shelter saw a 15.25% increase in intake, with 4,323 animals entering so far this year. Gunn said one of the leading reasons Bastrop pets are surrendered to the shelter involves the pet parent undergoing nancial troubles, including not having money to purchase pet food, pay for veterinary bills and moving expenses. “Whatever their situation is, they’re not able to take their animals with them for landlord issues, pet deposits,” Ballard said. To alleviate the number of owner surrenders, the shelter partners with Save An Angel, a program that o ers low-cost spay and neuter services to the public. Gunn said the shelter is also in the process of building a new kennel building to increase the number of animals they are able to take in. The impact Ballard said nearly all of the shelter’s dogs are medium- to large-breed, which tend to be the hardest to adopt. The shelter’s longest resident has been there three to four months, not including a fostered dog that has been in the system for more than a year. The team shared a handful of stories showcasing in uential memories since their time at the center. One adopter, who walks on a prosthetic leg and was born with no hands, formed a bond with a three-legged kitten named June Bug. Other stories included dogs that have become trained compan- ions for veterans living with PTSD. “Sometimes you get bogged down with the sadness part of it,” Ballard said. “Seeing the sad- ness—some of the dogs that come in are in really bad condition. But then to see them turn around and have the best life ever, it just makes all the work worthwhile.” ‘Furever’ bonds: Bastrop team connects pets, families and community
Those interested in adopting a furry family member can attend upcoming adoption events listed on the shelter’s Facebook page.
How to help The shelter is in the process of building a new kennel to increase the number of animals they are able to take in. Community members can support the center’s growth by:
Making a monetary donation
Volunteering time to clean, socialize animals and operate adoption events
Purchasing items from the shelter’s Amazon wishlist
Staples is a 9-month-old Black Mouth Cur mix who loves squeaky toys, cuddles and walks.
Donating pet food to the community pantry
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589 Cool Water Drive, Bastrop Facebook: Bastrop County Animal Services
Ace is potty trained, knows a few tricks, and does well with dogs and people.
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