Noah's Ark is a non-profit animal shelter in Gainesville, Texas that is supported by generous citizens in North Texas. Noah's Ark was established by private citizens and the city of Gainesville 5 years ago to help deal with the unwanted pet problem in the area. Prior to Noah's Ark, the city animal control building was a dilapidated metal building in the city transfer station or dump. The animals b
rought there were given the 72 hour holding period and then euthanized. Today, adoptable animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, tested for Feline Leukemia or heartworm and microchipped before adoption. The new building on Weaver street houses 120 animals. Dogs have play yards that they are turned out in twice daily and are walked by volunteers in addition to their play time. The cats have an exercise area that is packed with "kitty jungle gyms" for play or hiding and are brushed and cared for daily by staff and volunteers. All animals are temperament tested to make sure that they are placed in homes most suitable to their personalities. Noah's Ark finds homes for all adoptable animals. By definition, that makes Noah's Ark a "no kill" shelter. Unfortunately, "no kill" is a misnomer. There really isn't such thing as a no kill shelter. Those rescue organizations that claim "no kill" only take in a certain number of animals and then only the highly adoptable animals. The other animals are funneled to the city animal control where they are euthanized after their 72 hr holding period. Noah's Ark is different. We take in everything from the city of Gainesville. We are the Gainesville Animal Control. Everything is given a chance. If it is a dangerous animal that can not be safely adopted out, we can not adopt that animal out. Likewise, an animal that has a highly contagious deadly disease it can not be adopted out. Animals that are friendly and healthy often stay at the shelter for months waiting to be adopted. Noah's Ark does not have a time limit for the animals. One dog "Sunny", a 13 year old, toothless, catahoola mix will live the rest of her days at the Ark lying on the couch in the front office welcoming all that enter. Noah's Ark is a haven for the lost,abandoned and abused animals of North Texas. This wonderful organization could not exist without the charity of the local veterinary clinics that spay and neuter the shelter animals and care for the sick and injured. It could not exist without the charity of the North Texas citizens whose funds keep the animals fed and healthy. Noah's Ark's annual budget is $225,000 and takes in approximately 2,800 animals a year. The board of directors are not paid and funding from the city of Gainesville only averages to about $13,000/year. All donations go directly to the care of the animals. Donations keep the Ark afloat. Donations give the animals a second chance and hope for a loving home. Keep the Ark afloat. Shelly Gomulak, DVM
