Franklin County Animal Control received a boost from West City Rural King on Monday, following a dog flea dip that left 110 tails wagging.
Drew Irvin, department manager of the animal health and farm department, said this was a first for the store.
“The flea dip was held on June 28,” Irvin said. “We were very busy that day. People had the option of having their dogs dipped for fleas or have the flea drops applied to the back of their necks. We invited Animal Control to join us, along with Dottie Darr, who operates Franklin County Animal Rescue, as well as Calling All Angels, an animal rescue that operates throughout the county. We also had animals available for adoption.”
Animal control officer Mary Crawford said she brought an album filled with photos of the former animal shelter that was destroyed by fire on Nov. 19.
“It was also Adopt a Cat Month, and a number of animals found homes during the flea dip,” she said.
Irvin said following the flea dip, the dogs were placed in holding pens while they dried.
“We had treats for animals and humans,” he said. “The dogs munched on pig ears, which they thoroughly enjoyed.”
Animal control supervisor Jarrett Broy said the animal rescue operation is transporting dogs and cats to other locations.
“Fifty animals left the shelter last week,” he said. “More than 100 animals have been transported in the past two weeks.”
Store manager Ed Belmont said every penny collected from the flea dip event was donated to animal control.
“We collected $558 during the week,” he said. “That was not too bad for our first time. We expect to do even better next year. We collected more than a number of the other stores.”
Broy said he did not expect to receive that large a check. “We never expected this,” he said. “This will really help us a lot.”
During the July 22 Franklin County Board meeting, Chairman Randall Crocker said construction of the new facility is well over budget.
“We estimate the project will be $100,000 over budget,” he said.
Broy said contributions to the shelter have slowed in recent months. “Everyone is hurting because of gas prices, which has affected everything else,” he said. “Donations to help us rebuild the shelter have dropped off.”
Monetary contributions may be mailed to P.O. Box 967, Benton, IL 62812. Please note Fund 53 in the memo line of the check.
Contributions of pet food, blankets, towels, shampoo and other necessities may be taken to the shelter located at 13163 Oddfellow Lane in Benton during regular business hours. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Benton, Ill. —
