The Potomac Highlands Dispatch
Phone: 301-264-3147
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Mount Savage, MD 21545
'Shelter of hope'
Virginia man appointed to manager of Allegany County Animal Shelter
Karl A. Brubaker expected to begin work April 4
By Kevin Spradlin
PhDispatch.com
CUMBERLAND, March 10 -- Jodi Sweitzer, the president of Queen City Animal Rescue, said she's "hopeful" that Karl A. Brubaker will continue volunteers' work at the Allegany County Animal Shelter in such a way that, if not in a no-kill policy, then at least a no-kill philosophy that will continue to reverse high kill rates.
The Allegany County Board of Commissioners announced at Thursday's public meeting that Brubaker, 32, of Mathews, Va., has accepted the position and is expected to report work on April 4.
"He better be ready for this," said Sweitzer said cogenially, noting Allegany County has been in a national spotlight in recent weeks and months since former manager Camille Carrico resigned under pressure.
Sweitzer and others have spearheaded the volunteer-driven change at the county-owned shelter and has acknowledged it's not easy. She doesn't expect things will be perfect on Brubaker's first day on the job. Sweitzer said, however, that she is "hopeful" for the positive trend to continue.
Brubaker previously worked for the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society in Gloucester, Va., for five years. In his capacity as manager of the open-admission shelter, he oversaw daily operations, trained staff and volunteers and implemented programs to further community outreach and relations. The county said in a news release that Brubaker also brings significant experience in building partnerships with animal welfare organizations, including breed-specific rescues, animal shelters, and veterinarians.
Sweitzer said Brubaker's age might seem surprising to some. However, she prefers to see it as a positive.
"Yeah, he is young, but I kind of like young," Sweitzer said. "It's fresh. That means he's not stuck into an old mentality."
She reviewed the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society website and said its mission gives her reason to be hopeful.
"It says something about every life has value," Sweitzer said. "I think that that's positive."
One report, Sweitzer said, reflected that in January 2008 there were a total of 51 dogs accepted into the shelter. Eleven of those dogs were redeemed - that is, returned to their owners. Sweitzer called that "a really good redeem rate."
Twenty-six dogs went to new owners and three were euthanized for reasons unknown. The Gloucester facility handles approximately 4,000 animals each year, and "we're not even half that," Sweitzer asid. "So if they can have these kinds of results, I'm pretty hopeful that he can continue with the work."
Allegany County government news release
Allegany County Commissioner Bill Valentine announced today that a candidate has been selected and has accepted the position of Animal Control Shelter Manager. Karl A. Brubaker, 32, from Mathews, Virginia, will begin his duties on Monday, April 4.
Most recently, Brubaker served as news director for WXGM Radio in Gloucester, Va. Prior to his broadcast duties, he spent five years managing the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, an open-admission shelter to over 4,000 animals annually from seven counties.
In his capacity as manager, he oversaw daily shelter operations, trained staff and volunteers, and implemented programs to further community outreach and relations. He also brings significant experience in building partnerships with animal welfare organizations, including breed-specific rescues, animal shelters, and veterinarians.
“We have an excellent group of volunteers who have helped carry the burden in the absence of a full time shelter manager. They have helped transform our operation into a ‘Shelter of Hope.’ It was extremely important to find the right person who not only respects the role the volunteers have played to date, but is able to continue to build and strengthen that partnership. Karl has a proven background of doing just that,” stated Dick DeVore, acting Shelter Manager.
Brubaker is no stranger to Allegany County, as his parents reside in Flintstone.
Brubaker - Facebook photo
Update March 11, 2:27 p.m. - Brubaker declined an interview quest with PhDispatch.com, saying the county "would like to wait until I'm on the job ... Before scheduling any interviews."