Community Responds Positively to Lucky Charm Animal Adoption

Today kicked off the San Angelo Animal Shelter's "Find Your Lucky Charm" adoption event--an event to save nearly 78 dogs and 10 cats. A group of friends who care about what's happening to the animals in San Angelo raised and donated the funds for all the animals to allow those people who might not be able to afford the cost to adopt these animals without paying.

Jen McConn, one of these individuals, is only in San Angelo for a short time as her husband is an "Instructor" in the Navy and stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base. She said, "In June (2015), my 4-year-old son, Roman, and I came to the shelter to learn what it was all about and adopted a dog. My son's birthday was in July, and it was his idea to ask for money instead of presents donating most of it to the shelter.

Since then, Jen and Roman returned to the shelter several times to visit, and, in January, she said, a "dog she fell in love with didn't make it out."  She said that's when she realized the San Angelo Animal Shelter was "a kill shelter." Jen said she felt she couldn't just complain about it though. She was compelled to do something. 

Her son told her, "Mom, we're gonna get the dogs out so they don't have to go to heaven," and that was the incentive that got Jen's mission started.

For weeks, Jen's Facebook posts went viral. She decided that if, during her time in San Angelo, she could raise enough money through donations and fundraisers, that would help these animals find new homes and avoid euthanasia. She posted countless photos of shelter dogs and cats, posting daily and pleading with the community to take part.

She wrote, "Your donation can save the life of one of my furry friends I currently have sitting in the San Angelo Animal Shelter! I cannot tell you how hard it can be visiting them, and leaving them some days, unsure of their fate. That is why I decided to do this, to hopefully make a statement that finds them all loving and caring homes! $85 saves the life of a San Angelo Shelter Dog, and $50 saves the life of a San Angelo Shelter Cat."

Jen posted updates frequently of how much money had been raised to date, and how much more was needed to reach her goal of $10,000. 

Jen said, "It wasn't always easy, having run into several roadblocks and negative feedback on occasion." However, she had to continue.

One post read: "This is getting more and more exciting! When I started this journey, I had no idea where it would go. The support has been unbelievable! I cannot thank you enough. If I could, I'd line each person up [who] donated and hug them, then allow them to hug one of the furry lives they saved by donating! If only the world were perfect like that right?!?!"

Jen said she posted on San Angelo LIVE! several times as well, hoping to attract more donors, and by February 12, she received $4,687.59 in donations. She added that after the San Angelo LIVE! Story came out (click here), and as of today, March 5, she has met her $9,300.00 goal, with another $1,000.00 that will come later in the month.

During the event at the Shelter, many tents, tables, and booths accommodated waiting visitors in front of the building. Petco offered dog training assistance; there was a table for children to color, a DJ booth, and another group selling raffle tickets for a dog house.

Stephen Bright, a Korean Linguist from San Angelo's GAFB, and Emily Kinney, whose husband is also in the military, had a Kettle Corn stand. Bright said they were donating a portion of their profits to the event, and had water and snacks for the people waiting. Emily said she has adopted two pets from the shelter, and Bright said he "picked her to come help him because she knows about the routine and can answer questions from prospective adopters."

At approximately 9 a.m., pet lovers checked in at the desk, filled out paperwork, and received a number. James Walter Pierce, of San Angelo, was first in line, and said he was looking for a small dog if he can't get a puppy. He added that he has a fenced yard but his new dog would most likely be inside. With his back to the sun and his walker in front of him, the Military veteran anxiously awaited meeting what would soon be his new companion.  Having served his country from 1954-1962 traveling to Camp Pendelton, Guam, Hawaii, and then home, he said he has since had many dogs over the years.   

After Jen welcomed the many visitors and thanked the SAAS staff, one by one, the guests were taken to visitation rooms. Mr. Peirce was introduced to several dogs, but come decision time, he knew in his heart which one would be going home with him. As the worker went to retrieve the puppy, Mr Peirce wiped a tear from his eye, saying the pup was about 6 months old and he was going to name him Fergus. Jen took a moment to pose for a photo, and as Fergus cuddled into Mr. Peirce's lap, squirming and licking with joy, there was no doubt it was a perfect match.

Christian Quintanilla, her son Kelan, and two daughters were also anxious to take their new pet home. She said they came yesterday and had chosen a very well-behaved Pit Bull that "gets along with all their kids." She said the family "used to have a Pomeranian for 6 years that was stolen 2 years ago, and now they are ready to adopt again." The kids have decided to name him "Snoopy."

Carlos Carrillo, adoption coordinator for the shelter, said he is "hoping at least 100 people come out today," and the most popular pets requested are small dogs as they have received lots of phone calls. He added, "Currently, we have a LOT of Pitt Bulls."  He also said they have a brand new mobile adoption unit that will accommodate 20 dogs, and/or cats and is anxious to start the program in the near future.

"It is air conditioned, has a sink and storage, and adjustable quarters for larger animals," Carrillo stated.

Leanna Herzod, Jen's associate, reiterated Jen has done a tremendous job for this event and is sorry that she will be leaving soon. She said she doesn't know if she can ever fill her shoes but she will try. Leanna added the shelter is always needing volunteers and monetary donations, as well as other items such as cardboard boxes, litter, trash bags, collars, leashes, and dog and cat food. Also, the rules for the shelter have changed to where the public can't go in the back kennels anymore to prevent cross contamination should any of the animals be sick. As an alternative, they do have computers in the lobby with photos and details of the animals, and then there is a separate room the staff will bring them to for visitation purposes.

Overall, Jen said she hopes this is the beginning of change. The sad reality is the shelter will most likely fill up again quickly. However, she hopes people will catch on and her mission will continue, especially with the spay and neuter ordinance taking effect soon. 

"It doesn't have to be like this," Jen said. She added that she's never done anything like this in her life because she gets too emotionally involved; but in this situation, it was worth the time and effort. She said San Angelo is a very generous and giving town. With a teary eye, she said she was humbled by the overwhelming support of San Angeloans.  

"I feel like I'm in a dream; it's been surreal," Jen said. "I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of this. People who I don't even know have come up to me saying, 'We got this dog because of you.' These reactions are what has kept her going. Needless to say, Jen said she's looking forward to some much needed rest.

For more information on the San Angelo Animal Shelter at 3142 N. US Highway 67, in San Angelo, please call (325) 657-4225.