Killeen's Animal Control

I recently found myself in the Animal Control building to adopt a cat. A member of my family had been over in their building on a service call the day before, and the staff had been playing with various animals to give them a break from their cages. Okay, the staff probably was playing with them as a way to show them off to the people servicing various equipment in the hopes of finding homes for some of the animals. It worked. Within48 hours, we had a pet cat.

I grew up with the notion that the animals that the City picked up were "undesirable." They were wild or misbehaved or something, I don't really know what. And perhaps where I grew up that was true, or maybe it was true of the 1960's & 1970's. I don't really know. What I do know is that Killeen's Animal Control has some simply wonderful animals that are house-broken, gentle, playful--even spayed or neutered in many cases. Our cat is all of these and has been a wonderful addition to our petless household.

While picking up the cat, I overheard the manager and one of the officers talking. The officer reported that they had picked up 23 cats and 9 dogs that day. Sadly, they had had to put down 19 animals on the same day. You could tell that they truly disliked having to put down the animals, and in talking with them I found out that they go to great lengths to avoid doing so. But sometimes they do not get a choice. Help them out, spay or neuter your animals. And if you are thinking of adding a pet, drop in and see them. I am betting that they have the pet for you.

Just a note, when you walk in to Animal Control, don't look at the bulletin board to the right as come in the door if you have a weak stomach. It's a "wall of shame," showing the injuries that people have inflicted upon animals. Animal Control officers have to deal with this sort of thing far too often, and they created the bulletin board to remind people that "dog catchers" are not the real bad guys. Killeen's are certainly the good guys. Now, go see them and find a furry friend. They are open 7 days a week, and there is an animal there hoping you will be the one to save its life.

Killeen's Budget Rolls On

Here we are, ready to head into August. The City Council is reviewing the City Manager's proposed budget and considering what is in and what is out for next year. Two public hearings have been scheduled during City Council meetings. Now, if people will just show up at the hearings and let the Council know what is important to them. Too often, citizens let these opportunities pass because they do not want to give up an evening to go to a Council Meeting or because they do not want to speak out publicly.

That is fine. If you do not want to go, write or call your Council member. Our Mayor can be seen out and about around town and at numerous events. Many Council members are members of local civic organizations. Stop them and let them know what matters to you, or jot it down on a piece of paper and hand it to them if you are uncomfortable talking to them. You can always email them; their email addresses are listed at http://www.ci.killeen.tx.us/CityOfficials/CityCouncil/citycouncil.html.