Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Cooper.
Mark, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began my career in Animal Services 2005 when I was hired as an Animal Service Officer for Dallas Animal Services. I quickly moved through the rankings as they learned I had a natural talent for effectively communicating with people and had an extreme passion for animal welfare. They mixed my talent and passion and created a Rescue Coordinator position. I began building trust amongst the animal rescue community and within a couple of years our live release rate began climbing and Dallas was gaining the reputation as a safe haven for the animals within the shelter.
I grew the program for ten years until Operation Kindness in Carrollton as their intake Manager recruited me. Operation Kindness is the largest absolute no-kill shelter in all of North Texas. I served as the Intake Manager OPK for four years before accepting the position as Animal Service Director for the City of The Colony Animal Services Division. I have just finished my 4th year here in The Colony and have no plans of leaving until I retire. I often say owe my knowledge in animal welfare to DAS as I saw every imaginable animal issue during my time there. I have assisted in some of the most heinous animal cruelty cases imaginable. I have seen animals beaten and tortured beyond recognition. I have witnessed some of the saddest cases of neglect and hoarding. I have encountered some of the worst pet owners surrender animals that appeared half-dead, but with plenty of TLC and vet care, I have watched them eventually get adopted by great families.
I have watched scared and fearful dogs and cats go from unpredictable animals to loving family pets. I learned that although working in animal welfare carries many heartaches, it is also the most rewarding career I believe one could ever do. This is not a “job” by any means; it is a “calling”. To give of your blood, sweat and many tears along with many long hours of opening up your heart and soul to an innocent creature that has no voice, and no way of thanking you is a reward that no money could ever buy. These animals are forgiving and loving without condition or motive. They just love you unconditionally and show their appreciation with a lick across the cheek and a deep soulful stare into your eyes.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Working in animal welfare is never easy. It is heartbreaking and stressful. I have shed more tears as an adult than I ever did as a child. To witness such cruel acts done by cruel people to innocent creatures is never easy, and it never gets any easier. I was once on anti-depressants for years to help me mentally cope with all I have witnessed. Just as you help one dog find his forever home, 10 more come needing your help. The job is never over. The public will never fully understand what you witness in animal services. 1,530,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in city shelters across the U.S. each year.
I have personally saved well over 10,000 dogs in my 14 years of service. My rescue number is a drop in the bucket compared to those who could not be saved. I have learned to live by a simple motto that helps me carry on my fight for animals. “as hard as I try, I can never save them all, but for the ones I can save, my help meant the world to them.” As tears fill my eyes even now, I know my small number made a difference. I will continue to make a difference for as many animals as I can for as long as the Good Lord allows me. My fight is far from over! As long as there are unwanted and abandoned animals, I will wake up each day prepared for the day’s battle.
I do assure, it is not all bad. There is nothing more gratifying than watching an unloved, unwanted street dog fine its perfect family. I almost feel like a family matchmaker at times. The best is hearing about their progress from their adopters and seeing pictures with their families in their new homes. After being in this field for so many years, I often get letters from families informing me a dog or cat has passed but that I help saved many years back. The families are so thankful and appreciative of the years they had their beloved fur child.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
I am currently the Director of The Animal Services Division for the City of The Colony. We are a municipal shelter that houses lost, stray, surrendered and abandoned animals within our city. We also investigate cases of neglect and abuse then prosecute violators in such cases. I oversee the daily operation and care of the shelter, Animal Service Officers and all that pertains to animal welfare within the city.
When I was hired in October 2014, I walked into a very sad and depressing shelter. At that time, the shelter had a very high kill rate and was known throughout the Metroplex as a difficult shelter to work with. Therefore, we had a few rescue partners willing to with us. The reputation of the shelter, in general, was poor. The animals got minimal care, basic leisure time, no medical care whatsoever and staffing was less than satisfactory. The previous management had no drive or passion for the job. The animals were just part of a daily routine with little to no affection or compassion. The consensus by citizens was fear if their dog was to ever end up in the shelter. It was nothing short of prison for innocent animals and most ended with a death sentence. When I came in on my first day, I sat in my new office and began writing out a priority “to do“ list, a wish list and a plan of action.
My work began right away. Instead of using straight bleach to clean the kennels while the animals were still in them, we purchased a safe yet effective kennel cleaner to properly clean, sanitize and disinfect the kennels. We installed outdoor covered kennels and runs so the dogs could go outdoors each day and enjoy the fresh air and play with each other. We added covered picnic areas and doggie pools so the dogs could play, socialize and BE DOGS. We then removed the cat kennels and created an open cat room. The local Girl Scouts came and designed an “Under the Sea” themed cat room with shelved that lead all the way to the ceiling and swings from wall to wall. This allows potential adopters to stop into the room and interact with the cats in a comfortable environment.
We also began raising money to create a medical fund so we could begin treating sick/injured animals that came into our care. We began spaying and neutering, vaccinating and providing a microchip for each animal. We made several staffing changes and did an overhaul on the entire environment of the shelter. I stress compassion with my staff and volunteers and expect each animal to be treated as if it were our own. Our animals are treated as if they are at a resort versus a typical city shelter. They have comfortable beds, toys, soft music, and soothing lighting. Staff and volunteers handle them each day for socialization and TLC time. Most importantly, we are known for having the lowest euthanasia rate of any municipal shelter.
Although we must accept any animal, no matter its temperament, age, health or injury, we still maintain a 97% live release rate year after year. This simply means 97% of the animals that come into the shelter leave alive. We credit that to our stealer reputation with the public, our amazing partnerships with rescue organizations and our loyal social media following. We have a five-star rating on Google and Facebook, which is unheard of with any city department. Our reputation for the care we provide is unmatched in our municipal shelters. This is not our workplace, this is where we come to help animals, get lots of loving from our fur babies and assist our citizens with their animal concerns. The added bonus is we are paid to fulfill our passion and purpose.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First off, I do not claim to be an expert on shelter managing and animal control. Even after 14 years, I still learn something new each day. I always keep an open mind and remind myself daily that I cannot save all the animals in the world, but I can make a difference for the animals that cross my path. My success is not based on the amount of money I make, but the difference I make in the lives of others. We all have a God-given purpose in this lifetime. Some are meant to be doctors or lawyers.
Some are meant to be teachers or social workers. My purpose in this life is to be a voice to the innocents that cannot speak for themselves. I am meant to be a comforter to animals that are scared and alone and serve my community proudly. To some, it may not mean much, but it is fulfilling and it is necessary for me. I have a plaque on my office wall that read, “Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” I live by this saying in everything I do. I owe the success of our shelter to my amazing staff and the volunteers who give of their time, money and heart. I also cannot forget to mention the incredible efforts from all our rescue partners who pull so many animals from us each year.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4720 E Lake Highlands Dr.
The Colony, TX 75056 - Website: www.thecolonytx.gov
- Phone: 9723709250
- Email: Mcooper@thecolonytx.gov
- Instagram: thecolonyanimalservices
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecolonyanimalservices/
- Twitter: tcanimalservice
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
