Behind the scenes at Foothills Animal Shelter - #lakewoodnews

In 2015, more than 6,300 animals were adopted into loving homes from the Foothills Animal Shelter.

And it's caring people who contribute to the shelter's success. The shelter employs 50 people, has more than 450 volunteers and at least 180 foster homes where about 900 animals are cared for each year.

"We look at every animal as an individual," said Jessi Burns, the shelter's marketing and communications manager. "We do everything we can for each one."

To learn more about Foothills Animal Shelter, find it online at www.foothillsanimalshelter.org, visit the animals in person at 580 McIntyre St. in Golden from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, give the shelter a call at 303-278-7575 or send an email to info@fas4pets.org.

The equipment

New X-ray equipment at Foothills Animal Shelter runs the gamut when it comes to helping animals at the shelter, veterinarian Dr. Emily Hays said.

Hays has used the equipment for everything from a cat that swallowed a penny to a goose with a broken foot to fractures.

"The biggest impact," Hays said, "is that it's easier on the patients."

Not only does the X-ray help with being able to treat emergency cases immediately, animals no longer have to go through the stress of being transported to local veterinary clinics for X-rays.

The equipment cost $43,000, which was raised through donations.

"Donors stepped up and realized the importance," Hays said. "This allows us to provide the care that everyone would expect."

The X-ray equipment is used on about three to six animals a day, Hays said, or about more than 30 animals to date.

"Staff has always worked to provide amazing care, but this allows us to go the extra mile," she said. The equipment is "a big step as far as improving care for the shelter pets."

The volunteers

One reason the Foothills Animal Shelter is successful is because of the volunteers, said Jessi Burns, the shelter's marketing and communications manager.

"We couldn't do what we do without the volunteers," she said. "Volunteers do what the staff can't."

They walk dogs, socialize with cats, represent the shelter at various events, foster pets, transport animals and clean the facility. In fact, there are more than 70 different volunteer positions at the shelter. Between 450 to 500 people volunteer to fulfill the need.

Tony Catanese, a resident of Lookout Mountain, has been doing so for about a year.

On Tuesday afternoons, he writes pet bios on the cats. Every first Sunday of the month, you can see him on 7NEWS with an adoptable animal. And he volunteers at other off-site adoption events, as needed.

"I would do more if I could. When you're around animals," Catanese said, "you feel you're not doing enough."

For 16 years, Catanese and his dog Dodger volunteered in the pet therapy program atLutheran Medical Center. Dodger has since passed away, and because it was a special, unique experience for Catanese with Dodger, he decided to look into animal shelters for volunteering opportunities.

"Foothills impressed me the most," he said.

Catanese retired last June, and along with volunteering at other local organizations, he dedicates an average of 10 to 20 hours a week at Foothills Animal Shelter.

"There's a certain aura when you're in an environment of animal lovers," he said.

The only downfall is always wanting to take one home.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Behind-the-scenes-at-Foothills-Animal-Shelter,222182