How It All Began...
Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels, to me, is a dream that is continuing to develop into reality, with
much progress having been made thanks to volunteers who have given thousands of hours of their
time to make it come to life.
When I became mayor in 2001, I quickly became aware of the despicable way stray animals were
being treated and decided to provide an alternative by helping to organize a support group consisting
of people who were also dismayed at the system in place and who wanted animals to be treated fairly.
From that, BARK was eventually formed.
My vision for the organization was to attempt something different than had been the typical approach in Texas cities — to provide homes for would-be pets, to promote a no-kill attitude, to help persuade pet owners where possible to spay and neuter pets, and to minimize dumping of animals that had been a plague to rural residents of Bosque County.
Our goal was a county-wide effort, one that perhaps other counties would view as valuable and follow our lead. In many places, shelters would be built, but soon fail, for a variety of reasons. We wanted to overcome that here in Bosque County.
In a nutshell, Tricia Kleine wrote the organization’s first mission statement: “to provide a safe and humane environment for abandoned and abused animals, and to facilitate permanent placement in a loving home.” That was the bottom line that invigorated the hearts of the many staunch lovers of animals who made this their enduring mission.
My personal involvement was primarily organizational. I helped gain support from members of the city council and the commissioners’ court, and helped draft the idea that such a new facility should include a “park” atmosphere, complete with things like “pet putt golf” and other activities that would bring people closer to the animals being housed — in a way that allowed BARK to teach hygiene of animals, spaying and neutering, and, ultimately, favorable adoption and care of animals — a win-win situation for all.
I spoke with many representatives of Texas organizations whose mission is to take care of animals, seeking their advice on what type of system could promote long-term commitment and success, and even corresponded personally with former singer/actress Doris Day who had founded the Doris Day Animal Foundation. She offered immense words of encouragement for what we were trying to accomplish in Bosque County.
We were able eventually to obtain land for a facility, and over the years development has been ongoing and impressive. My heart goes out to the people who have supported BARK all along and continue to do so. They are the real heroes. It is with great respect and admiration that I praise them for their immense efforts and their never-waning love for animals in dire need of their love and care.
W. Leon Smith, Former Mayor of Clifton