For Jennifer Tracy, the role of director at Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter is as much a calling as an occupation.

“I love the happy endings. I love being able to earn the trust of frightened animals and help sick and injured animals. I love being able to help people with their pets, especially if it means keeping those pets out of the shelter,” she stated.

Since taking over as director in 2018, Jennifer has partnered with outside resources to overcome the many challenges that successfully running a shelter includes. The Animal Control Board works with the shelter to find creative solutions for combatting one of the most pressing issues, unchecked animal population growth. The board, alongside the fundraising support of Friends of the Cookeville/Putnam County Animals led by director Sarah Hawlick, helps meet practical and operational obstacles head-on, but more aid is needed, specifically from animal lovers in the area. 

On the ways readers of this magazine and those passionate about positive animal outcomes can assist, Jennifer said, “Adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, educate others about the shelter and responsible pet ownership and please SPAY or NEUTER. The past couple of years have been especially challenging with increasing numbers of animals coming to the shelter, less help from rescue groups, and a decline in adoptions of adult mixed-breed dogs. The rising cost of goods and services is impacting us the same as everyone else. The community has always been very supportive of the shelter and we need that support more than ever.”

With any organization, misunderstanding about mission, funding, and goals can have lasting negative effects. 

On this, Jennifer stated, “There are a lot of misconceptions about shelters in general. Some people assume that all shelters operate the same way which is not the case. Some people also assume that all shelters fall under the umbrella of national organizations like the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or Humane Society of the United States which is also not the case. While we may get assistance in the form of grants or education, most shelters don’t have any direct affiliation with any of these organizations.” She continued, “Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter is an open admission, municipal shelter owned by the City of Cookeville. We are partially funded by the City of Cookeville and Putnam County. Algood, Baxter, and Monterey also contribute to the shelter. We are the receiving shelter for law enforcement and animal control in Putnam County or what is often referred to as ‘the pound;’ we prefer the term ‘animal shelter.’  We only accept animals found in Putnam County or those owned by Putnam County residents. We accept those animals regardless of health, behavior, or available kennel space in the shelter. Therefore, we are not what is considered a ‘no-kill’ shelter. However, once an animal is evaluated as suitable for adoption, there is no set deadline for that animal to get adopted. Animals are evaluated daily and decisions about euthanasia are made according to behavior, health, mental wellbeing, and then, finally, time in the shelter.” 

From waiving adoption fees when certain criteria are met to accepting the most difficult cases, Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter seeks to serve Cookeville and the surrounding area with compassion and versatility. The work is not easy and the toll is heavy, but Jennifer sees the healing provided by the shelter as being worth the cost.

“The biggest challenge for anyone working in shelters is keeping things in perspective. It is easy to fall into the trap of dwelling on the negative experiences we have. In truth, the positive experiences far outweigh the negative.” She elaborated, “I do think it’s important and healthy to feel those feelings that arise out of bad situations. I’ve often said that when I can no longer cry or get angry about some of the things we see, then it’s time for me to move on to something else. I think it’s important not to let those down situations diminish the great amount of good we also experience. Challenging situations inspire great creativity.”

The work is, at times, overwhelming, heartbreaking, and exhausting, but Jennifer and the wonderful people at Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter greet each day with an unwavering devotion to improving the current and future health of animals living in the Upper Cumberland. 

Their labor is meaningful, but it’s not cheap or easy. They need our help. 

We’re grateful for all the shelter does in this community and truly grateful for the opportunity to share a tiny piece of their story in Cookeville Lifestyle Magazine

To learn more about how you can partner with Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter or donate to their cause visit their Facebook page or https://www.cookeville-tn.gov/161/Animal-Shelter today!