Carbon County is looking for an animal lover to help oversee the operations of the animal shelter.

On Thursday, the board of commissioners accepted the resignation of Frank Migneco from the animal shelter advisory commission, effective Feb. 6.

Because of this, letters of interest are now being accepted to fill the vacancy. Previous letters of interest will also be taken into consideration for those who were not chosen last time.

The board said that there were several qualified people who had expressed interest to serve on the five-member commission, which helps determine new policies, updates and the overall operation of the county-owned shelter.

Terri Maher, acting chairperson, provided an update for the board’s first year.

She said that the commission is dedicated to advising the county on ways to improve the processes and procedures at the shelter.

“We want to help both humans and canines be the best they can be going forward,” Maher said.

Positive changes

Over the last year, the commission has worked with the commissioners and Tom Connors, director of the animal shelter, to make some positive changes that benefit the workers, the dogs under their care and the people who are looking to adopt.

Some of the highlights Maher pointed out were improving the communication system at the shelter, updating documents to better streamline the adoption process and dog intakes, improving record keeping and reporting, and completing several exterior and interior improvement projects that lowers the county’s liability.

She commended Connors for his dedication to the dogs and his willingness to implement the changes the commission feels is the best course moving forward. She also thanked the donors who make the shelter possible. There are several donations a year that come in to help with the overall operations, including a $2,000 donation that was just received from Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lansford.

Maher said that the public has supported the shelter either through monetary donations or donations of supplies or food; as well as through a fund at the Lehighton Animal Hospital that is used for dogs from the shelter needing additional health care.

“That fund was started by Tom many years ago because he realized the need for extra help for some of these animals so that they can be placed in loving homes,” Maher said.

Sustainable operation

Looking forward, Maher said that the commission will continue to work for the shelter and find ways to make it a sustainable and successful operation.

“We are collectively passionate about the shelter,” she said. “And, at the end of the day, it’s about safety. It’s about animal welfare and the ability to move forward without liability.”

The advisory commission does meet at 44 Susquehanna St., Jim Thorpe the first Tuesday of every month and the public is welcome to attend. The meetings are also livestreamed on the Carbon County Commissioners’ Facebook page.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner thanked Maher and pointed out that without the commission’s guidance, as well as the dedication of the employees who work at the shelter, it wouldn’t be possible to serve the dogs as the county does.

He pointed out the recent lost dog in Summit Hill that was finally trapped after nearly two weeks on the loose.

It was county employees who helped corral and trap the dog.

“I think it’s a great story to get out on what the animal shelter is doing,” Ahner said.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that the members of the commission have really taken the shelter under their wings and addressed a lot of issues that were pointed out in the review by the Lehigh County Humane Society.

“(You) really helped us address the issues and shortcomings that were identified and really strengthened the animal shelter,” he said, noting that the shelter has not had one safety incident or injury in the last year.

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein echoed his colleagues’ thoughts, adding that Connors is also very much appreciated.

The Carbon County Animal Shelter is located just off the Broad Mountain in Nesquehoning and is currently running Love a Dog For Life month, which cuts the adoption fee in half for any dog.

If interested in visiting the shelter, call the shelter at 570-325-4828 to set up a time to come in.