Local realtor helps raise funds to improve MCAS dog parks

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Every day at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, staff and volunteers are constantly working hard to find new homes for unwanted pets or strays. The 26,000 square foot facility, located at 8535 SH 242, cares for an average of 500 cats and dogs daily.

For the dogs at MCAS, it is crucial that they get social interaction and time outdoors to increase their chances of adoption. Mary Bowen, a resident of The Woodlands and volunteer at the shelter, is doing what she can to help MCAS by raising money to make improvements to the shelter’s dog parks. In support of the shelter and its animals, Mary, a realtor at Mary Bowen & Associates, will be donating $200 for each closing she has until the end of the year.

Every Wednesday night, Mary can be found at the MCAS volunteering her time with what is known as “Wednesday Night Dog Walking,” an effort to walk all of the dogs at the shelter. A long-time volunteer, it wasn’t long before Mary’s whole family joined in on the fun. Wednesday Night Dog Walking is now a family affair for The Bowens, along with other countless volunteers who come together to get the dogs out of the housing rooms and into sunlight, allowing them to play and receive social interaction.

“We give the dogs an opportunity to run and play to keep them socialized so they don’t get stir crazy,” said Mary. “It gives them a chance to get out of confinement. Anything we can do to make it better and keep those dogs in good spirits.”

Realizing the importance of getting the dogs outdoors, Mary and others wanted to help. Now, staff and volunteers are working diligently to make improvements to the shelter’s dog parks, making the experience even more enjoyable for the four-legged friends who are waiting for their fur-ever homes. Dog parks are spaced around the perimeter of the shelter, where the canines can enjoy the outdoors while receiving much-needed human interaction. Although the parks are in good condition, Mary saw that improvements to the dog parks at the shelter would benefit both the dogs and the volunteers for the better. Plans for the improved parks are at the beginning stages, but ideas have included shade cloth, to provide dogs and volunteers a break from the Texas heat, new mulch, and revised park layouts.

Mark Bowen, Mary’s husband, didn’t hesitate to help join in on the effort. The General Manager for Nature’s Way Resources, a local manufacturer of organic landscaping supplies safe for children and pets, Mark donated 18 yards of mulch for the improved dog parks. Mark is also helping draw up plans and ideas based on what is needed.

“Mary and I are all about the animals,” said Mark. “Many times, more dogs are coming into the shelter than there are demands for. MCAS has a super dedicated board and staff. When you see dogs have a good experience and all the love they receive, it helps them have a better chance of getting adopted. The shelter just needs all the help they can get in getting the word out and encouraging people to adopt.”

Mark and Mary understand how much MCAS has an impact on unwanted and stray animals. The Bowens have adopted two dogs from the shelter, one of which was in extremely bad condition when she first arrived at MCAS.

“Our second dog from MCAS, a boxer mix, came in with hide hanging off her back with scars from neck to tail. She was in isolation for six weeks with her back raw. The shelter helped her, and we wanted to help the shelter in return,” said Mary.

Others can help Mary and Mark in their efforts to improve the MCAS dog parks by donating money and materials, or volunteering at the shelter. For more information, email Mary Bowen at the icon provided below.

The shelter is always in need of more volunteers for Wednesday Night Dog Walking, as well as other areas such as bathing dogs, playing with cats and kittens, and helping with adoption events. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit the Montgomery County Animal Shelter website or call 936-442-7738.

For more information about Mary Bowen & Associates or Nature’s Way Resources, visit the corresponding links below.