Managing Editor

editorial1@thomastontimes.com

The Georgia Department of Agriculture, the watchdog of animal protection, was in Thomaston on May 23rd and stopped by the Upson County Animal Shelter for a surprise inspection.

The results for Shelter Manager Smart Web and his staff were not a surprise - they passed with flying colors.

“We continue to excel in animal care,” said Web, a 10-year veteran. “This is my 10th year and since I have been here, we have never failed an inspection.

“I take pride in that because if you look at the news, you see shelters being closed all the time.”

The inspection was all encompassing, reviewing several areas of operation including the premises, the animal enclosures, shelter performance and animal care.

“All animals are receiving humane care at the time of this inspection.” wrote Inspector Jessica York.

According to Web, the key to success is the people involved with the shelter.

“I have county commissioners that work well with me,” Web explained. “I have employees down here who really do care about animals. They make sure the animals have adequate food and water. It’s not just me. It’s the whole staff.

“We also couldn’t do it without the help of the inmates from the sheriff’s department. They stay busy throughout the day mopping, sweeping and cleaning the animal areas.”

If there is one area Web would like to improve, it would be volunteerism.

“We treat all the animals the same. We are always looking for volunteers but we can’t seem to find them here for some reason,” he noted. “A lot of people have it set in their minds that this is a dark and gloomy place and it’s not.

“We continue to progress and we are working to make the shelter more people friendly.”

The shelter, in conjunction with the Upson County Humane Society, will hold a Adopt-A-Pet Day on Saturday, June 21st from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“Like I said, we’re trying to make things more people friendly,” added Web. “We’re going to have a jolly jump for kids that me and my staff are paying for out of our own pockets. We do a lot of things ourselves.

“We hope to have a big turnout to get a lot of these animals adopted. The Humane Society is helping out with the costs of spaying and neutering these animals so we hope folks will come on out.

“There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and fun for the kids. We look forward to seeing you.”

The shelter is open daily from 10 a.m until 4 p.m. and is located at 2371 Yatesville Highway.

For more information, please call 706-647-5586.