WEATHERFORD —  

August was a bad month for the Weatherford-Parker County Animal Shelter.

Two hundred and nine cats were brought to the shelter, mostly kittens, said Barbara Pursley, president of Parker Paws. 

Twelve were adopted, she added.

The non-profit group Parker Paws helps the shelter with daily operations, supplies and adoption events. And, it’s times like these when it feels like not enough can be done. 

Municipal shelters average about a 70 percent euthanization rate, Pursely said. The Weatherford shelter averages about 50 percent in a year, she said, but August was closer to 70 percent.

“One of my volunteers says, ‘Don’t look into their eyes! Don’t look into their eyes!’” Pursley said of the mournful looks the cats and dogs give as one walks through the shelter.

But, looking into their eyes is exactly what she hopes people will do in order to make a connection with these animals. Those looking to adopt are free to walk into the adoption kennels where cats and kittens are housed (and, oh, there are so many, many kittens!), as well as puppies, followed by smaller dogs, then larger dogs. 

For a shelter, there are quite a few pure-bred to almost pure-bred dogs, said Pursley. Because of this, the shelter works with pure-bred rescue groups to find homes for some of the animals.

But, patience is key when looking to adopt, she added. 

On Friday, a woman stopped by wanting to adopt a puppy that day. However, she was told she would have to wait. The puppies still needed vaccinations and, for those animals that are a bit older, they need spay/neuter. It’s a way for the shelter to ensure they are adopting out a pet that is healthy and ready to be in a home, Pursley noted. 

The adoption fees of $75 for male dogs, $85 for female dogs and $55 for cats cover the spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchipping, which contains information on the pet’s owner in case the pet is lost. Those fees are still pretty reasonable compared to other shelters, Pursley said, but on Oct. 1 they will go up $10 each.

And, those fees are nothing compared to buying a pure-bred pet. When it comes to getting a pet, though, Pursley wants potential owners to think of the shelter first. For those who don’t have room for a pet in their lives, she at least wants to spread the message that many loving pets are available, she said.

"You may not be able to adopt, but tell all your friends," Pursley said she tells people.

Plus, there are other ways that people can help the shelter. Foster homes are needed to keep cats and dogs until they are adopted — they are shown at PetSmart weekly. Detergent, towels and other items are needed. 

Parker Paws currently has about 50 volunteers and 20 foster homes.

And, volunteers are always welcome to walk dogs, help shelter staff and more. 

Dogs are taken out daily on walks and given a chance to run around a play area in back of the kennels. That also enables them to interact with potential adoptive families and any dogs those families may already own.

“This is the best community,” Pursley said about those who give back. 

The shelter, in turn, gives back to the animals and plans to build at least one more play area for the dogs, Pursley said.

Parker Paws also had activities for the community, such as their upcoming spay/neuter and vaccination clinic. 

Appointments must be made for the  low-cost spay or neuter, which is $30 for male cats, $40 for female cats, $50 for dogs under 50 pounds, $55 for female dogs 50 to 80 pounds, $60 for male dogs 50 to 80 pounds and $80 for all dogs over 80 pounds.

No appointment is needed for the vaccination clinic, which will include rabies for $5 per pet, plus other tests that range from $10  to $30 for dogs and cats.

For more information on the clinics and to schedule an appointment, call 940-566-5551. Call the shelter at 817-598-4111 and look through the adoptable animals online at Petfinder.com.