Wayward animals find a friendly temporary home with the Kings County SPCA

There are the forgotten, like Cookie, a handsome, friendly dog, the unfortunate victim of a birth defect, a regrettable act of nature that causes his ample tongue to hang limply from his expansive jaw. He is one of the unwanted but has managed to find at least a temporary home at the Kings County SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) near Lemoore.

There are currently 22 of these furry orphans residing comfortably and getting plenty of love at the recently re-opened Lemoore SPCA, located at 9071 16 ½ Ave.

The goal of the Kings County SPCA, which held a “re-opening” Open House Saturday, is eventually to find homes for these 22 animals – and any others that end up in their shelter. To be clear, the SPCA has always remained open, but Saturday’s Open House was meant to celebrate the public’s ability to visit the facility.

It’s been closed to the public since a former shelter manager was caught embezzling money and arrested by the Kings County Sheriff’s Department. Much of that is behind them says SPCA Board President Kari Martin, prompting the SPCA’s recent re-opening.

The Lemoore SPCA can be reached at (559) 925-1630. It is a 501 c 3 Foundation and readily accepts contributions to keep the facility active.

Kings SPCA Facebook Page

The 10-acre parcel of land on which the SPCA resides was donated in 2010 by the Hase Family. The SPCA kennel has been an essential part of Kings County for over 60 years.

“We’re a halfway home for animals,” said Martin, who spent much of Saturday greeting the public and boasting of the SPCA’s facilities. “We try to pull animals from the kill shelters. If a dog comes here, we don’t euthanize. If we don’t find a shelter, we keep the dogs here. We’ve had some dogs here for up to six years. They’re safe here.”

There are currently two full-time and two part-time employees in addition to plenty of volunteers who manage and take care of the animals.

Lemoore SPCA officials will go out of their way to save a dog. “If they’re on a euthanasia list, we drive up there to get them,” said Martin.

Other members of the Kings SPCA Board include Courtney Cyr, Brooke Rapozo, and Shamra Durham.

The SPCA is Kings County’s version of the Army. It’s looking for a few good families. A prospective new owner is always checked out. The last thing the SPCA wants to do said Martin is hand over an animal to a lackluster owner. She said they check out a prospective client to see that he or she would be a kind owner. Is it the right house? Is there ample yard space? Is there a fence? All these questions are answered as the SPCA keeps tabs on an animal for up to two years.

“I made someone bring back a dog on Christmas day,” said Martin.

The SPCA has big plans, but it involves getting the public involved. With 10 acres the “halfway house” has plenty of room to grow. “I would like to see the entire 10 acres used,” she said.

There are currently several buildings used to keep the dogs warm during the winter and plenty of space for them to roam.

But new kennels are needed, and the SPCA is always seeking donations to make their dream come true.

As it is, Kings County’s wayward animals are getting a welcoming home, plenty to eat and a bunch of folks who enjoy animals and are always looking for good homes.