Beech Tree News Network

On November 1, Friends of Butler County Animals signed a contract with the Butler County Fiscal Court to run the county-owned animal shelter.  Ruby Fooks will keep her position as executive director and is president of the Friends of Butler County Animals Board. Michele Duvall is vice-president and secretary.  Derek Richards is treasurer.  Other members are Tristan Klein, Robin Johnson, Rhonda Vaughn, Julie Lynch , Torri Bennington, Mike and Kathy Porter.

Currently, Butler County Fiscal Court gives the shelter $7,000 per month for operating expenses.  In the past year, Friends of Butler County Animals has raised $14,000 to help with expenses. 

Ace Hardware Manager Andrew Neighbors has offered their parking lot for fundraising events. Auntie Anne’s Food Truck is one of the favorites and they also bring donations when they come.  Groovy Gus Donut Bus and other food trucks give a percentage of their sales to the shelter. 

Community hours can be earned by Scouts, 4-H , FFA and school kids by volunteering at the shelter. There is always something to be done, such as walking dogs, cleaning cages, helping with laundry, and many other chores.

The biggest future goal of the shelter is to purchase enough property for a new building with enough room for a spay and neuter clinic, as well as walking trails. 

Ms. Fooks commented that they send several dogs and cats out of state each month through Alpha Dog Transport and a volunteer organization  , Leg Transport , that relays animals to Rhode Island and other northern states where they are looking for pets. 

“Our area has too many free-range cats and roaming dogs for the shelter to take care of,” said Fooks. 

She is thankful for the dedicated volunteers in our community such as Susan Meredith, Cheryl Nelson and Cindy Black to just name a few. Fooks also has two part-time employees - Melanie Richards and Kayla Avans - who love animals. 

There are many ways to help the shelter. 

-Volunteer 

-Donate Supplies: Clorox Bleach or a name brand, Lysol wipes , Fabuloso , Pedigree puppy food , Purina kitten chow…

-Monetary donations at Paypal – [email protected] 

-Mail Donations to P. O. Box 22 , 42261

-Weekly on-line auctions - Friends of Butler County Animal Shelter 

-Like Friends of Butler County Animals on Facebook to stay updated.

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By Don Lindsey, for Beech Tree News