New Animal Shelter Coming to Henderson County
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HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn.- The City of Lexington could see a new private, non-profit animal shelter built in the coming months thanks to a donation from a woman’s estate.. “This has been in the works for two years right after she passed away,” said resident Doris Johnson. Long time resident Francis Hensley, 70, died of stomach cancer in 2011. She requested that her estate be used to fund an animal shelter after seeing that the animals didn’t have a safe haven. “She felt like if she left the money then something at least could get started,” said Dennis Sulmer, Animal Shelter Board Consultant. Henderson County does not currently have an animal shelter or animal control officer. Sheriff Brian Duke said deputies have to take lost, abandoned and stray animals to local veterinarians where they are often immediately euthanized. “I’ve seen cases where perhaps an elderly person passes away and their animal is left behind and there is no one in the family who can take care of the animal, so they face euthanasia,” said Alison Todd, Henderson County Animal Clinic. Todd said some residents have taken more than 80 stray dogs and cats to adopt them out of their own but many are overwhelmed. More than 12 acres of land have been purchased off of Mig Drive, in Lexington . Sumler said building will begin after the organization is granted a non profit certificate and the land is cleared by the city. “I’m excited, I feel good about it,” said Johnson. “I feel like her legacy will live on even though she is gone, she will still be living to some respect.” If you would like to help contact efforts to build an Animal Shelter in Henderson County contact Doris Johnson at 731-968-4971 or mail to P.O. Box: 85 in Lexington, Tn.
