National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week

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National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week is celebrated every year on the second full week of April. This year it will be April 14-20. This week is when communities are encouraged to learn about what the job of animal control entails and to be grateful for those who do them, according to the National Animal Care and Control Association. Bedford County animal Control (BCAC), located at 205 Lane Parkway, took time to tell The Post about why they do what they do.

: Whitney Yeargan, said, “When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal, I see a living being. I see a friend. I see a soul. Animals give us love but have no voice to demand it from us. This is exactly what makes it so important that we consciously and passionately stand up for them. I have been with BCAC since 2022. I am truly blessed to be a part of this team. To me this is not a job. It is a passion in which I am very blessed to be a part of.”

: Autumn Tucker, said, “I started at BCAC in 2021. I chose to work at animal control because I have always connected deeply with animals. I enjoy working at BCAC because it gives me the chance to show love and compassion to the abandoned and neglected.”

: Christopher Short, said, “As a newcomer to BCAC, I am very excited to see where this journey takes me. I have always had a love for animals, and I wanted to be a part of a team that makes a difference. I know we cannot save them all but, I try. My passion and love for each of them is what brings me in each day.”

: Heather Murray, said, “I am a person who has always had a huge compassion for animals. I started at BCAC in hopes to help with homeless and neglected animals. I take pride in the work we do here at BCAC. Rehoming and nursing sick and injured animals back to good health is very important to me. Being a voice for the voiceless is what drives me to continue happily as an Animal Control Officer.”

: Jennifer Cotton, said, “I have been with BCAC since 2023 and I am retired from DOCS. After moving to the area, I decided to join BCAC due, in part, for my love of animals, concern or the pet population, and safety of the public. Being a voice for the voiceless is one of my main passions.”

: Jimmy Caldwell, said, “I have been with BCAC since 2019 and my love for animals still continues to grow. I enjoy the different wildlife that we are able to see up close and handle such as owls, hawks, and falcons! Each day is always a different challenge, so I never know what to expect. That keeps things interesting. Animals deserve a safe place to call home as well as food in their bellies. I love to see when an animal is adopted to a loving and caring forever home.”

: Josie Lowery, Director BCAC, said, “In light of National Animal Control Officer Appreciation week, I want to give a huge ‘Thank You’ to my team. Bedford County is very fortunate to have such great employees. As the Director, I am honored to have a team that works tirelessly to protect the citizens and animals in the county. I started at BCAC in Oct. 2014 and was quickly overwhelmed by the number of unwanted animals. My hope is for more people to please spay & neuter their pets to prevent this major overpopulation problem. I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens and animals of Bedford County.”