Editor:

I would like to thank all the volunteers that came out on Saturday to help make a very successful open house at the shelter. There was much hard work and planning that went into making this a day full of fun for everyone visiting the shelter.
Even more volunteers, both with Friends of the Animal Shelter and from the shelter, came out to help the visitors at the booths, food and the kidπs area.
Despite the 80 percent rain chances that day, we had well over 200 people attend that met the new shelter staff, visited with the Capital of Texas Zoo, Wild Life Rescue, Hwy. 95 Veterinary Hospital, Lost Pines Mobile Grooming, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Bastrop Volunteer Fire Department and Citizens on Patrol and see the demonstrations by Tail Town Training, Lost Pines Grooming, and the zoo.
The fire departments demonstrations of the Jaws of Life thrilled the kids to no end. The Citizens on Patrol made 35 child identifications, which is terrific.
All these organizations and vendors are very special and they all deserve a hearty handshake and applause for what they do and what they do for us and the shelter.
A very special thanks goes to the Boy Scouts for helping direct the traffic for visitors coming to the shelter as well as helping walk the dogs.
Boy did the shelter break a record! Fifteen dogs and cats found homes on Saturday.
Iπve never seen so many puppies have such an adoring public caring for them!
Lots of dogs were walked all over the shelter and I feel sure that a few pounds were put on dogs with the treats being given out!
My hope is that the public will continue to visit the shelter and provide the much-needed TLC for the animals there.
We gave away 19 free microchips to pet owners, so if they are lost they will be able to be placed quickly to their homes. We will continue this program at other events.
I cannot forget to thank the community in their support of our shelter and also the Friends. This helps us continue our task of finding homes for animals that find their way to our shelter.

Regards,
Sherri Deleon, chair
Sara Axton, co-chair
Carroll Axton, treasurer
Fernando Deleon, secretary
Marsha Poppy and Marianne
Curran, board members