My heart is broken this morning … for all the animals who are abandoned, cold and hungry. Of course this is not a new problem, but it is an unresolved problem in Tyler County, and there is a fix.
Someone, with the backing of an already established organization, and our community, could set up an SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in Tyler County. Is this easy? Of course not. Is it a necessary and a worthy cause? Yes. This newspaper will help in any way possible. We will commit to keeping the public informed and share the needs on a regular basis. We will commit space to encourage donating, volunteering, fostering and adopting.
So many Tyler County residents are unable to help as individuals. We have the uncaring, we have the uneducated on the matter that do not think twice about giving puppies as gifts with no way to care for them as they grow, and we have the dumpers, who look for areas they think might take in their unwanted pets.
Inside the homes of these neighborhoods receiving dumped animals are families with children who are working hard to make ends meet, taking care of their children and pets responsibly. There are also older couples who still work full time, do not have the stamina and/or strong backs to handle stray dogs, who are also caring for their aging parents and/or raising their grandchildren.
Then, there are the elderly who struggle with their own care and needs. No one, on their own, can take in and care for the poor animals that are being abandoned on the streets and farm to market roads within our county. But I do believe there are individuals who feel called to the mission of helping abandoned animals. Volunteers would “come out of the woodwork,” but they need a leader.
This right person will have the heart for it AND the ability to set up a 501c.3, is skilled in garnering support and obtaining property, has the respect of community leaders, and can manage volunteers successfully.
If you are the one, this newspaper will tell your story and help your efforts.
Written in memory of Coco, the Booster’s rescue, RIP 12-25-2025
