by Michelle Buckalew
There is a new day for the animals at Memphis Animal Services. After a one year nationwide search, Ken Moody, City of Memphis Public Services and Neighborhoods Director has happily announced Ernest Alexander as the new administrator/manager to improve and manage the shelter. You can call him administrator if you wish, but this gentle and strong man will soon become known as a hero and miracle worker if his plans for the future are realized.
Volunteering at animal shelters since he was a young man in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mr. Alexander moved on to work for Louisiana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He has spent the last eight years as the assistant manager of a progressive animal shelter in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This extremely kind and compassionate man, with a pure heart for animals, has immediately reached out to all those in Memphis who have had the opportunity to meet him.
Mr. Alexander recently spoke at a Memphis Animal Coalition meeting and shared his vision and plans to dramatically increase adoption rates, staff morale and community involvement at the shelter. His vision for the shelter is filled with community involvement being a key element. Alexander also plans to address abused and neglected animals in our area through cruelty investigations. Spay and neuter education and programs will be key as he stated that spay/neuter is imperative to bringing euthanasia rates down.
His main goal is reducing the numbers of animals killed at the shelter and training a strong, compassionate staff to serve the community. Mr. Alexander says he will start immediately to increase the shelter’s adoption rate by creating community outreach programs, working with rescue groups, partnering with civic centers, involvement in pet therapy, and working closely with other shelters, not only in MIdsouth region, but throughout the United States.
He plans to increase the number of volunteers at the shelter and train them to help make sure animals are adopted out to citizens whose lifestyles match up. "We are going to provide humane care for animals who come into this shelter," Mr. Alexander said. "I came here knowing the challenges this shelter faces. Our shelter will demonstrate to the community that we truly do care, and we encourage them to be involved."
He also plans immediately increasing offsite adoption events around the region. Surely he is excited about the new shelter which is promised to be built within two year's time. Work and design on the new shelter, that is to be located in East Memphis, is to begin over the next few months.
Thank you, Mr. Alexander, for taking on this tremendous and daunting challenge. Our community is excited about your arrival and vision for Memphis. We will lift you up every step of the way. God Bless all of your efforts, which will undoubtedly make history for the animals and our community.
What you can do:Please visit:
Click Here for City of MemphisVisit Animal World USA for partnered events and sweet photo gallery.
http://www.animalworldusa.org/