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Friends of the Bedford Animal Shelter highlight volunteer work and fundraising as city proclaims National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
Summary
At the Oct. 28 Bedford City Council meeting, Friends of the Bedford Animal Shelter outlined volunteer-led fundraising efforts, recent donations and a goal to fund shelter beds while the city recognized National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week and noted a planned $3.2 million renovation of the shelter.
Terry Callaway, representing the Friends of the Bedford Animal Shelter, presented the neighborhood nonprofit’s first-year accomplishments to the Bedford City Council on Oct. 28, 2025, and asked for continued community support as the city recognized National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.
Callaway said the group, launched in February 2025, has “already been very busy,” organizing roughly 13 community events, donating a washing machine in July and funding 100 microchips in August to help reunite lost pets with owners. The group has launched a fundraiser to purchase durable Coranda beds the shelter staff requested and aims to fund at least 25 beds, Callaway said.
The council also heard that the Bedford Animal Shelter is scheduled for a planned renovation this year with an estimated $3,200,000 capital cost. Police Chief Bobby La Pena and Animal Control Supervisor Jose Morales joined Callaway at the podium; Callaway commended shelter staff members by name and said volunteers and donations fill gaps when city funding is limited.
Mayor Dan Kogan read the proclamation declaring November 2025 National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in Bedford and thanked volunteers and staff for their work caring for lost, abused and adoptable animals. Callaway directed residents to friendsofbedfordanimalshelter.org for information, volunteer sign-ups and donations.
The presentation concluded with council recognition of the volunteers and a request for a group photo. The group emphasized that volunteers remain welcome and that donations will support both day-to-day care and capital needs during the upcoming renovation.
