As of Sept. 13, the total intake for the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter in 2024 is 1,201: 532 dogs and 669 cats in need. As of Sept. 13, the shelter has 107 animals in care: 40 dogs/67 cats. This number includes animals in the facility, in foster care for medical, waiting on available space, or awaiting transport to rescue partner.

The animal shelter offers a discount voucher program to the citizens of Fayette County for the spay/neuter of family pets. Call (979) 966-0021 for more information.

St. Mark’s volunteers (Nancy Muil, Robb, Mary Kahanak, and Karen Forest in purple) are continuing their mission to spread comfort to those who are young in body and mind who might need a little something to help them face medical emergencies. P. J. Barker (fourth from left) is the designer and supplier of goody bags that volunteers distributed to the EMS workers. Years ago, P. J. decided to start putting together bags containing soft blankets and toys as her own community care project. The volunteers have been lucky to be the deliverers of much of her love and good will.