The euthanizing rate at a Taft, Texas, animal shelter was almost 100% before Kayla Denney took control. She completely changed in five months, decreasing the euthanizing rate to 0%. Denney’s efforts transformed the shelter. Her work has saved the lives of many animals. She had a significant impact.
Kayla quit her accountancy career to pursue her love of animal rescue. She became an officer in charge of animal control and managed a shelter. When she started working there, the city shelter needed to be in better shape. The shelter had fallen into disrepair and lacked electricity. The shelter required urgent repairs. But there needed to be more money to work with. There needed to be more supplies. Kayla was committed to changing things despite these obstacles. She put a lot of effort into upgrading the shelter. She focused on figuring out how to get the supplies and repairs completed. Her hard work paid off. She improved the animals’ living conditions at the shelter over time. Her work significantly enhanced the operations and situations of the shelter.
The city manager, Denise Hitt, revealed that animals were put to sleep at the shelter using “blue juice.” Chief of Police John Cornish remembered Wednesdays being “euthanizing days” before Kayla Denney’s arrival. He had always dreamed of a no-euthanizing shelter in the city and described these days as awful. When Kayla arrived, this dream began to come true.
Kayla started by posting on her own Facebook page. She asked for cash, supplies, and a warning against posting critical remarks online. In her hometown, her post became viral very quickly. As a consequence, she was able to collect more than 800 boxes of materials, which helped to makeover the shelter.
Kayla stayed focused on improving the lives of the shelter pets. She asked volunteers to help her walk, play, and care for the animals. She also created a Facebook page to showcase the gorgeous pets in the shelter in the hopes of finding them permanent homes.
Kayla called neighborhood fosters and rescues to garner further support for her cause. Finding the animals’ permanent homes was her mission. The community responded strongly.
Kayla arranged volunteer assistance to plan consistent events for the animals, which significantly improved their standard of living. Because of Kayla’s commitment, the animals received more love and care.
The shelter had a fantastic makeover. It became a no-euthanizing shelter because of Kayla’s efforts. A better life was now ahead for the animals, with more chances of long-term placement. Kayla’s work inspired and changed the community for the better. Her desire to save animals was now a reality.
Under Kayla’s supervision, the shelter started to change gradually but steadily. With the addition of electricity, the once rundown facility was now receiving loving homes for the animals. In less than a year, Kayla transformed a high-euthanizing shelter into one with a 100% saving rate. Her efforts were worthwhile.
After they learned of her dedication, Kayla received the 2019 National Unsung Hero Award from the Petco Foundation. The prize for winning was $35,000. Kayla planned to use the funds to support the shelter once more. She discussed her plans for the future of the refuge with KZTV. She requested guillotines between indoor and outdoor kennels so the animals would stay dry when it rained. She also saw an area in a field where people could gather and greet the animals, giving them time on grass rather than simply the road.
Kayla was also well-known for her neighborhood visits. She visited individuals with their animals, providing them with supplies, support, and guidance. She wished for the community to view her as someone who rescued animals rather than someone who took them away.
After winning it, Kayla expressed gratitude for the Petco award, stating it had allowed her to save dogs. Whether at her shelter or elsewhere, she thought every dog deserved a shot. Kayla gave KZTV some amazing facts. She had pulled 565 animals and dogs out of Taft as of November 1. The result served as proof of her commitment and effort.
Through her efforts, Kayla inspired society and changed the shelter. Her efforts helped many animals live better lives and saved numerous lives. She constantly dedicated herself to improving the shelter and helping the animals and their owners. Kayla’s story reflected determination, empathy, and genuine courage. Her commitment to animal care never failed to inspire others.