New Beginnings for pets

by janeane lage <reporter>

The sound of barking of dogs and cats demanding to be heard, along with rattling cages, greets those who enter the new animal shelter, New Beginnings.

After opening last February, the shelter was off to a rocky start from the very beginning; because of the location at 6208 Richard Dr. in Shawnee, Kan., hardly anyone knew it was there.

"We need word of mouth," said Judy Scott, the director at New Beginnings. "We need people to know we're here; because if they don't, then they won't come pick up their pets that are found, which means I have another animal that I need to get adopted."

Most of the animals that are brought in are strays that have been rescued from the streets by Animal Control and because of that the shelter is a minimal-kill shelter, and this applies in only extreme cases of ill or very violent animals. Like many animal shelters, New Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on donations and volunteers.

"We have a lot of people who come and walk dogs," Scott said. "We also need people who can come do stuff on a one-time basis. For example, we have painting and building that needs to be done, as well as anyone who would be willing to help us make a website."

For more information call (913) 248-7727. New Beginnings' hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday only by appointments.