By Cheryl Splain, KnoxPages.com Reporter
MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Commissioners honored Marla McCutchen on Thursday for her years of dedication to the Knox County Animal Shelter. McCutchen is stepping down as volunteer coordinator for the shelter but will continue in a volunteer role.
“She has been a strong advocate for the dogs and the shelter, and has been very good to work with,” said Commissioner Thom Collier.
Marla McCutchen – photo courtesy Phil Samuell
Commissioner Roger Reed agreed. “That place would not be what it is without her as far as the rescue side goes,” he said. “She is one dedicated lady. She would foster dogs at home if they were sick; she would take them home and nurse them until they were well enough to come back.”
Reed cited the response of rescue programs in New Hampshire as an example of McCutchen’s hard work and dedication. “They would be waiting..and would ask ‘are those the dogs from Knox?’ That’s the kind of reputation we have, and it was because of what she did and in vetting the dogs,” he said. “Marla would not jeopardize the program by sending a bad dog.”
“She really helped turn [the shelter] around when we needed it,” said Commissioner Teresa Bemiller. “She and [Dog Warden] John Carhart have a great working relationship.”
“She’s been instrumental in keeping a smooth environment there,” added Reed.
As of Thursday, the shelter’s dog population is 30; the average length of stay is 27 days. Six dogs will transfer out on Saturday to rescue programs. Forty-one dogs entered the shelter in July and 38 left. Two dogs were surrendered by their owners for euthanasia: one due to aggression toward people and animals and the other because the dog was aged/ailing. Officers issued four citations for failure to confine in July and one citation for failure to register.
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