BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 December 17, Tuesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
From tornado recovery to searching for missing pets, the Jeanette Hunt Blair Animal Shelter has faced big challenges in recent months. Through it all, the community has stepped up to help, according to shelter manager Rachel Preissler.
“I am continuously shocked and amazed by our small town shelter and our community,” Preissler says. “Anytime we ask for help, the community comes together supports our small shelter and amazing animals.”
The community’s dedication showed clearly during the search for two missing dogs. “Those weeks were exhausting for shelter staff, volunteers and community,” Preissler explains. “Keeping up with the Facebook posts for sightings, phone calls and texts wore us out but we knew that if we kept putting hours into it, we would luck out. My husband and I even stayed the night is Missouri Valley several nights in order to go out in the dark with night vision.” The hard work paid off – “Loki is doing amazing in his new home and Tabby is with me doing well!”
To help prevent animals from being surrendered, the shelter provides supplies to pet owners going through tough times. “Just randomly talking with owners that maybe struggling due to some unforeseen situation- we have an abundance of supplies from our generous community, why would I not provide food and sometimes medical help in order to prevent that animal from coming into the shelter and staying in a loving home that they already feel safe in? We are here for the animals AND the community.”
Space is tight at the shelter, which currently houses 16 dogs in 10 kennels. “I have a hard time saying no to people,” Preissler admits. “Especially the ones that have a legit reason for surrender. Sometimes we do not have the option to turn people down either.”
New babies and moving are the most common reasons people give up their pets. “The hardest part of these surrenders is when the dog or the cat have been in the same home for so many years and that’s all they know,” Preissler notes. “These animals are going from being the center or attention to having to share love and affection. It’s also very difficult when people surrender the animals and they have not even had the baby yet.”
The moving-related surrenders are especially frustrating for shelter staff. “Hello!! Pets are accepted in all states, cities and counties,” Preissler says. “The pet owner is the one responsible for keeping their animal safe. Find a home that will allow you to have the animals.”
As Blair grows, new worries come up. “My biggest concern, is that our small-town shelter will not be able to keep up with the numbers of animals trying to come in our doors,” Preissler says. “Saying no to people, especially in our county because of space issues, takes a huge toll on us staff members. Questions always running in the back of our minds include: will they dump them in the middle of the county? Will they lie to us and try to bring in as a stray? Will they try to take matters into their own hands?”
Foster families make a big difference for the shelter. “Watching my fosters with the animals is amazing,” she says. “It takes someone special to foster animals. You have to give them up in the end. Don’t get me wrong. There are foster fails and some of those are the best adoptions also.”
Preissler, who recently moved to Blair herself, finds joy in successful adoptions. “My drive got a lot shorter recently. I’m finally in Blair! Things that make me so happy from the day include, placing a long-time residing animal into a foster home or adoption household. We put some much into these animals and just want the best for them. It’s truly amazing watching them leave the shelter. Usually, tears are shed!”
The shelter has become more than just a job for Preissler. “Just for me personally, I have met some of the best people. I have been welcomed into this community and because of feeling welcome, I can focus on the shelter and the animals. I have met true friends through the shelter. It takes a team and a community to do what we do!”
