Editor,

There is some confusion about the Smithville Animal Shelter.  In truth, the city never had one.

The city had a facility, commonly known as the Smithville Animal Shelter, which had the function of an animal control facility.

The facility, which was recently closed by the city, was managed by the animal control officer who is an employee of the Smithville Police Department. It did not have any services, such as veterinary care, like a true shelter would have had.

The Friends of the Animal Shelter and Adoption Center first met in the spring of 2010 with the goal of improving the lives of the animals in our area. A new shelter was the first item on the agenda.

The new shelter would offer veterinary services such as spaying and neutering, plus vaccinations in addition to adoption services. The city of Smithville supports our efforts. 

To do this, we need to raise funds. For this, we need you.  The First Annual Peace, Love and Paws Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Smithville Bark Park on First Street near the Recreation Center.

The Friends of the Animal Shelter are looking for sponsors at all levels, inlcuding: Diamond Studded Collar, $500; Gold Collar Sponsor, $250 and Adopt a Pet, $100. We are also offering vendor booths for $35. If you have items that you would like to donate to the silent auction, please let us know.

If you have anything to promote that is pet or family related, we would love to have you sponsor a booth and participate in this festival.

Please contact me at (512) 496-7724 or through email at debbie.roberson@gmail.com, if you are able to participate or contribute to this fundraiser.

We will have a Citywide Garage Sale table and are accepting contributions now. Please drop off garage sale items to the police station no later than Friday, Oct. 1. We realize that pet overpopulation is a continuing problem in our area.

We have contracted with Emancipet, a low cost spay and neuter facility, to come to Smithville and provide a day of free spays and neuters for local dogs and cats.  Animals will be signed up for this free service during the fundraiser on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please help out our animals and our community.

Debbie Roberson
fundraiser chairperson
Smithville