Buchanan Dam, April 5, Saturday, the Christ-Yoder Animal Shelter/Adoption Center hosted a ‘Spring Spruce Up Animal Fair’ to give pet owners in Llano and Burnet counties the opportunities of updating their pet’s vaccinations, having them microchipped, and groomed, or brushing up on their training and picking up a new collar or water bowl.

Prices were low cost or set at a reduced suggested donation to benefit the homeless shelter animals. The fair was scheduled to include Dr. Jim Jenkins DVM, of Llano’s Cedar Hills Animal Clinic, annual Kingsland area vaccination clinic.

Approximately 150 animals received annual vaccinations including Rabies prevention vaccine at a reduced cost with $1.00 per vaccine donated to the animal shelter. The main focus of the fundraising was to purchase new and appropriate kennels for the puppy holding area. Sandra Matteson, shelter manager, identified the need for new kennels to segregate puppies after they are vaccinated to allow time for building immunities and additional staff observation. The old kennels will then be moved to another area to proceed with the shelter’s new Triage program.

Entertainment was provided by the Paws4Freestyle group from Austin who performed choreographed dancing routines with their dogs set to music.

After lunch all activities stopped and Linda Christ, gave a presentation to dedicate the Quarantine building opened in the fall of 2006 to C.A. ‘Skeet’ Steffey former President of the Hill Country Humane Society/SPCA who was integral in the completion of the Quarantine building.

Skeet passed away in December of 2006 shortly after the official opening of the building. A bronze plaque permanently affixed to the building was unveiled by Sharon Steffey, Skeet’s wife.

“The local businesses were great in supporting the fair by donating items for our Bazaar and advertising the event information on their marquees,” said current HCHS/SPCA President, Holly Griffith. “We plan on making this an annual event and will be exploring more activities to increase community interest. The fair gives us an opportunity to give back to the community and help us to raise funds. The shelter took in 3,621 animals last year and we desperately need the continued support of the counties,” Griffith explained.

In addition the Board of Directors and Shelter Staff have been working vigorously to revise previous policies and procedures and implement new ones in order to provide better care for the animals, cutting edge animal welfare programs and to increase adoptions of the animals or transfer of animals into legitimate rescue groups and significantly decrease euthanasia.

“Our united goal is find ways to give adoptable animals a chance for a loving home either through adoption or transfer into a rescue program,” says Griffith.

The national American Humane organization will be celebrating their 94th Annual “Be Kind to Animals Week” May 4-10.

Be kind to the animals in your community by adopting a new pet, volunteering at your local animal shelter, or reporting animal abuse. You may call or come by the Christ-Yoder Animal Shelter/Adoption Center for additional information.

Picture #1 is Sharon Steffey holding flowers in front of the Quarantine building next to the plaque honoring her late husband and former HCHS/SPCA C.A. ‘Skeet’ Steffey.