In 2010, the Lewisburg Animal Shelter (LAS) had a 90% euthanization rate. In real numbers, that meant that more than 700 dogs were needlessly killed every year at the shelter. Teri Cox walked in the door with a stray for the “shelter,” and was told he would be killed on Wednesday. She was determined none would die. Within a couple weeks of diligent marketing 60-80+ hours a week, working with an interim ACO, the rate went to zero euthanization. After a few months social networking, a website, and working with the city administrator and Animal Control Officers (ACOs), she amassed an army of like minded folks and from 2010 until the Fall of 2012, the adoption and rescue rate for dogs the ACOs deemed adoptable and/or notified the public about, through Petfinder, was at 100%. Many advocates were banned from the shelter during that time.  Though we were not allowed to physically be in the shelter, we continued to diligently market the dogs, and saved 100% of those who we were made aware of, working with the Administrator until his resignation.

    In July of 2012, dogs were dying of heat strokes in the shelter. We asked the shelter and city officials if we could provide a misting cooling system and they were approved by the City Manager and ACO, but after we purchased them, never used. We made this public on our networking pages, which we know are monitored by media friends and calls were made. There was a public outcry that made national news. An uprising against inhumane treatment of animals in this city run facility. The immediate response by the new City Manager was the ordering the euthanization of 14 dogs in the shelter who had rescue coming for them and threatening Teri Cox that if the group continued to work with the media, that more dogs would die. Having been the voice for the animals for so long, who were now suffering and dying, TEAMARATT stood our ground and our tenacity paid off. There was finally a good look taken by the city leaders at the facility, and they stepped up and started renovations and allowed volunteers who were City approved. 

     We are so happy to say that TEAMARATT is called on frequently by the County to help with neglect, abuse and helping companion pets in need in our county. We are referred to by the City Animal Shelter to take as many of the owner surrendered dogs as possible, help place the dogs that find their way there,  and try to intercept them before they become "strays."  

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