By Keturah Smith
When people let the dogs out, they let the dogs in.
The City of Ruston Animal Shelter was officially established in October of last year. Throughout the years, the city of Ruston has made significant progress with this project.
The grand opening will be held towards the end of this calendar year.
With an adequate location, these dogs can now receive the best care available. In the past, it was difficult for staff to keep decent temperatures through the seasons and provide the necessary medical needs. But now, all of this has changed.
These updates include cozy kennels, a full medical checkup, documents, and a seven-way-vaccine.
“This is something I’ve been wanting to make part of our intake process for years,” said Bill Sanderson, head director at Ruston Animal Shelter. ”Six years ago we began the planning and design for a new animal shelter. For me this has been a heartfelt project.”
This shelter takes in abandoned, abused and runaway animals in hopes of giving them a better home or returning them to their home. Sanderson and his team work together to ensure that these animals are healthy and feel secure.
“I do not understand how people can be around an animal and not become attached, or make it a part of their family, “Sanderson said. “To abandon and dump one, is like taking one of my children and driving down the road one night, and making them get out of the car.”
Luckily, this facility has upgraded successfully to have different rooms for certain cases. Their isolation room is for dogs that have been brutally beaten, so they can be monitored 24/7 for safety. A room for dogs and their own kennels, dogs who are mothering, and an examination room for dogs for their checkups. This also comes with updated equipment to ensure the best results for the dogs.
“With this facility we have a team of people who all love animals and their hearts attach to these dogs,” Sanderson said. “Their hearts are in it for the right reasons.”
Hallie Miles is a Ruston Animal Control Officer. She started her position in December and enjoys her role at this shelter.
“I love it here. I love the people and the ideas that we share to make sure that we provide the best care for these animals,” she said. “I enjoy bringing dogs in because of how precious they are. But at the same time, if it’s an abandoned dog, depending on the breed; it may be hard for them to find a forever home.
“We are not the big bad dog catchers, our number one priority is keeping people safe, and work for the people not against them,” she said.
When it comes to working for the people, that’s where Laurel Nerren steps in. She is the communication director for the City of Ruston who also oversees the Ruston Animal Control page.
“I love the opportunity to spread awareness of these dogs and put them in a good spotlight,” Nerren said. “It’s important to put certain breeds in a positive spotlight because of how some of them are looked, when in reality they are the sweetest pups.”
Not only does Nerren put the shine on the dogs, but Nerren ensures that she battles the misinformation about what’s said towards the facility.
“We handle things in a professional manner because this is a positive shelter that gives the best care,” she said. “I’m grateful to be a part of that experience.”
