Metcalfe County Animal Shelter Board Established, Advances Animal Welfare Efforts
This adorable puppy is looking for a forever home. Photo | Donna Lafever
By Jeff Jobe
EDMONTON — The Metcalfe County Animal Shelter Board was formally established in 2024 and now oversees operations of the county’s animal shelter, which functions as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare.
The board is led by President Larry Wilson, who also serves as Metcalfe County Judge/Executive. Wilson is a founding member of the board and played a central role in initiating and overseeing the development of its website.
Serving as Vice President, Donna Lafever manages the shelter’s day-to-day operations. Veterinary care for the animals is provided by her husband, David Lafever, with occasional assistance from her grandson, Sam Lafever.
Secretary Lisa Boswell is responsible for maintaining meeting agendas and minutes and also contributes to event planning and grant opportunities. Boswell serves as chair of the board’s budget committee.
Treasurer Chris R. Jessie oversees financial records and assists with information technology related to the shelter’s website. Jessie also helps coordinate fundraising efforts, including the annual costume contest, and works with local Masonic organizations that host a yearly fundraiser benefiting the shelter.
Handling Public Relations, PJ Martin manages event publicity, designs and shares flyers, promotes adoptable animals on social media, and oversees the shelter’s costume contest. Martin is the long-time managing editor of the Edmonton Herald-News and brings extensive experience in community communication and marketing to the role. She also recently chaired the ordinance committee, which helped establish Metcalfe County’s first ordinance addressing animal abuse and abandonment.
Event and Volunteer Coordinator Gina Gibson assists with planning events, manages volunteers, and serves on the budget committee. Event and Volunteer Coordinator Gina Gibson assists with planning events, manages volunteers, and serves on the budget committee. Currently, the board is being assisted by volunteers Liz Eich, Emily Bullard, Rick Sparks, and Sam Lefever.
Board members work collectively at fundraising events and shelter activities and are supported by a growing group of volunteers who have recently begun assisting with fundraising events and committee work.
Board members work collectively at fundraising events and shelter activities and are supported by a growing group of volunteers who have recently begun assisting with fundraising events and committee work.
The mission of the Metcalfe County Animal Shelter is to provide loving, safe, and permanent homes for homeless animals in the community. The shelter is committed to offering care, medical attention, and support to animals until they are adopted into responsible and loving homes.
More information about the shelter, including adoptable animals and upcoming events, is available through the Metcalfe County Animal Shelter’s Facebook page and website.
Dr David and Donna LaFever are the best. They give a LOT of financial support to the Dog Pound, as well as working for free along with the grandson. Metcalfe county is fortunate to have them.