Billy Jean

If you've ever walked into Waynesville Animal Shelter, more than likely you've seen Billy Jean sitting at her desk working hard, or having a light hearted conversation with someone or perhaps loving up on one of the shelter dogs waiting for their forever homes. She's cheery, kind and has a heart of gold.

Billy Jean and her husband, Joe, moved here from Oklahoma 42 years ago and never looked back. They've watched this area grow and have met many different families over the course of their time here. For 30 years, she ran a state licensed day care out of her home, which gave her the great opportunity to be there with her children. Three years after she retired, she realized that she wanted to still do something and not sit at home in a rocking chair all day. She began volunteering at the Waynesville Animal Shelter about 6 years ago, which came easy for her because of her love for animals. Two years later, she became a part time employee and has been for the past 4 years.

The Waynesville Shelter is a clean, well kept building with nice big cages , comfy dog beds and lots and lots of doggie toys. They have an average of 300 - 400 dogs that come through there a year! Dogs are taken care of very well by staff and volunteers and are walked and loved on daily. You can see that Billy Jean loves her job through all of the care that is put into the Shelter and those that work with it. She knows all of the animals that come through there by name and learns as much as she can about them before adopting them out. She is also super wonderful to the volunteers and keeps in touch with them outside of the shelter.

While we were chatting, I asked her what the most difficult thing about her job was...
"The most difficult part is seeing dogs being surrendered by families who have had them for a few years... they come in so scared and so frightened. They don't know what's going on, and it's just so heartbreaking."

I asked her what she would like to see more of in this world...
"I'd like to see more compassion for each other. Just because they're different, doesn't meant they don't have feelings. Just like animals."

Her last piece of advice to me was to always show loved ones you love them, and don't take anything for granted. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Thank you, Billy Jean, for sharing your love with those around you, both humans and animals. The world is a better place because of you!