The kill rates at an animal shelter in Taft, Texas, were nearly 100 percent until Kayla Denney took over. Denney, on the other hand, managed to reduce that number to 0% in just five months.
Kayla quit her job as an accountant to follow her ambition of assisting in the rescue of animals. She got a job as an animal control officer, but she also manages a shelter.
The city shelter was run-down and without electricity when she initially started working there. It was in dire need of repair, but due to a tight budget, only the most basic supplies were available.
“We did have what they call ‘blue juice,’ to euthanize animals,” said Denise Hitt, the City Manager.
“Every Wednesday was the killing day,” Chief of Police John Cornish remembers before Kayla arrived. It was a nightmare.”
John wished for the day when the city would have a no-kill shelter. That dream became a reality when Kayla arrived.
The first thing she did was post a request for goods and donations on her personal Facebook page, along with a request that no one make any unpleasant remarks. Her post went viral in her hometown, and she was able to collect over 800 boxes of materials to aid in the shelter’s transformation.
Kayla’s next goal was to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals. She went out to find volunteers to walk, play with, and care for the animals. She also created a Facebook page to advertise the shelter’s gorgeous pets in search of their permanent homes. She also went out to local fosters and rescues to assist the animals in finding permanent homes.
The shelter began to change slowly but steadily. It now has electricity, and the animals that are arriving are being placed in loving homes.
Kayla transformed a run-down city shelter with a high death rate into what it is today in less than a year, and she changed the kill rate to 100% saves. Kayla’s passion for animals was recognized by the Petco Foundation, which bestowed upon her the 2019 National Unsung Hero Award, which came with a cash prize of $35,000.
Rather than keeping the money, Kayla intends to use it to improve the shelter even further.
“I want indoor-outdoor cages with a guillotine in between so we can put them inside while it’s raining,” Kayla told KZTV. We want a place where they can have a meet-and-greet in the outfield and where they can spend time on grass rather than cement.”
She is also known for stopping by different neighborhoods to check on people’s pets and provide encouragement, advice, and supplies to their owners.
“They’re starting to notice that I’m not coming to pick up their animals and take them away here in Taft.” “I’m here to make sure the animal is cared for,” she explained.
“You guys just helped me save dogs,” Kayla remarked after collecting the Petco award. Every dog, whether it comes from my shelter or not, deserves a chance.”
“We’ve saved 565 dogs and cats out of Taft as of November 1,” Denney told KZTV. That is great news. Kayla, you did an excellent job. You are a true heroine who inspires others. Keep up the good work!
Watch the video below for more info!
