Animal shelter's helpers aim to give comfort, joy to youngest critters

Making A Difference

THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION

Friday, December 07, 2007                                       

By Paul Janczewski

pjanczewski@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6333

Yes, Fido and Tabby, there is a Santa Claus for puppies and kitties.  Her name is Becki L. Williams, and she is launching a "Claus for Paws" benefit just for you.

Williams, 52, of Montrose started a group last May called Friends of Genesee County Animal Shelter.  Now, about 110 volunteers in the group alternate times to visit the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

"We walk the dogs, clean and groom the kitties and play with the animals," Williams said. They clean litter boxes and do what they can to help animals get adopted.

But Williams noted that the shelter's puppies and kittens are at risk because they can't eat the dry pet food that's designed for larger animals.

"The shelter's budget does not allow for the purchase of canned food for the animals there," she said. "This means the little puppies and kittens or animals who are not in the best of health only get dry dog food."

So Williams and others organized "Claus for paws," and it's gaining momentum. On Saturday, the group will be at the Petco store on Miller Road in Flint Township. Owners can get pet pictures with Santa and can donate canned pet food to the shelter.

"It's heartbreaking to see young puppies and kittens trying to eat watered-down dog food," Williams said. She said the shelter, 4351 W. Pasadena Ave., is largely ignored when people look to adopt animals.

"And these animals were once someone's pets, too," Williams said.

"This is one of the hardest things I've ever done," Williams said of her involvement with animals who come in as strays, or through neglect and abuse. "But it's also one of the most rewarding things I've ever done."

Williams enlisted the Montrose Music Boosters through Montrose High School to help with the canned food drive during the first two weeks of December. She said the music department has mailed out letters to other Genesee County high schools challenging them to see which group can get the most cans donated.

And she said Montrose High School principal Jim Ply is trying to get classrooms involved.  Help also may be coming from a local radio station, Williams said.

"We would love to see the adoption room here empty. That would be fantastic," she said. "All these animals are worthy of a second chance."