Team members from JPS Health Network’s Gertrude Tarpley-Watauga Health Center recently spent time giving back to their community by visiting the Watauga Animal Shelter, dropping off donated supplies and showing lots of love to the animals in the shelter.
The idea came from Camille Towns, the center’s practice manager, and Cristina Boose, patient access representative III, who worked together to bring it to life. Team members collected treats, cat food, and other supplies the shelter needs to care for its animals and to make enrichment toys.
“We serve our community here so much that if we could make a difference even on that aspect of it, I think it just connects the dots,” Boose said. “We are helping the human side, and now we can try to help the animals of Watauga.”
Miranda Konnick, animal services supervisor for the City of Watauga, said donations help the shelter keep up with the daily needs of its animals. Treats are part of the dogs’ routines, and with the shelter caring for as many as 16 to 18 animals at capacity, supplies can go quickly.
“With the community coming in and taking part, it’s absolutely huge,” Konnick said. “I really appreciate you guys coming out here and bringing us donations because our animals really love it.”
The JPS team also learned about the shelter’s Doggie Day Out program, which lets community members take a shelter dog on an outing for a few hours. That might mean a walk around the park, a car ride, or a stop at another dog-friendly spot. This is a special treat for dogs who spend weeks or even months at the shelter. Getting out of their kennels gives them a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy a change of scenery. It also helps the shelter team learn more about each dog’s personality and what kind of home might suit them best.
The JPS team got to experience Doggie Day Out for themselves, with a couple of team members checking out dogs and taking them for a walk around the park. The dogs enjoyed running, jumping, and having a fun time exploring, and one team member hit it off so well with his walking buddy he asked for information on how to bring him home.
The visit was a chance for the Watauga Health Center team to show up for another part of the community they serve. Whether it’s donating supplies or spending an afternoon walking a dog, there are plenty of ways individuals can support the shelter.