By Gerard E. Trigo – Press Release

The volunteer operations at the St. John Parish Animal Shelter are trying to expand. Under the supervision of volunteer Gloria Boland, volunteers and owners are training shelter dogs and their own dogs. They are training them in walking on the leash and in the basic commands SIT, STAY, COME and DOWN. The first training class in this new program, run entirely by the volunteers began this Saturday March 20, 2004.

The training of the dogs in the shelter will add to their adoptability and value to their owners. The St. John Parish Shelter is fast becoming a model Animal Shelter in South East Louisiana. Adoptions are up, while the numbers of animals being euthanized are down. Shelter workers diligently work to keep the shelter and animals clean and disease free. Attention is also paid to the dog’s mental health by providing loving attention and play time in the yard.

Along with the adoption increase, there has been an increase in animals released to animal rescue organizations. Ultimately the improvements at the shelter are due to the efforts of Linda Allen, Shelter Manager and the people working under her. Linda has developed contacts with animal rescue groups across the United States. Dogs from the shelter have gone to rescue groups as far away as Oregon and Pennsylvania, but most of the animals go to homes in South East Louisiana and Southern Mississippi.

Construction should begin soon on a new shelter. The new shelter will reflect on the growth and prosperity of St. John the Baptist Parish. It should also reflect on the dedication of the workers and volunteers who put so much love and effort into its operations.