Dog lover

WEST ODESSA For the last 10 years, most of Del NeSmith's life has gone to the dogs - and the cats and a few other breeds.

"I have been burned out a number of times," the 72-year-old said. "But I get to thinking about it. If I don't go back there, what's going to happen to all those animals?"

And so NeSmith returns to the Humane Society of Odessa, where he looks after between 125 and 140 dogs and 50 and 60 cats at a time.

He arrives at the West Odessa no-kill shelter sometimes early in the morning. There he makes sure the animals are fed and cleaned.

"I just check them out to see that they're cared for," he said.

If needed, he takes animals to the vet for shots or other treatments.

NeSmith said he became interested in animals while growing up on a ranch.

"I just have a love for animals," he said. "So many people, they have the idea that animals don't have any feelings. They do - they have the same feelings we have."

Some people who come to the shelter leave upset because NeSmith doesn't feel they'd provide a good home for an animal.

"Del always makes absolutely sure that every animal we adopt out goes to a home that will take very, very good care of them," said Connie Aguirre, a volunteer and treasurer of the Humane Society's board.

That means no small animals going to homes with pit bull terriers. All dogs have to go to homes with fenced yards - no being tied on chains or running loose. And all animals older than five months old must be spayed or neutered, and owners of younger animals must agree to do so once the pet is old enough.

"I have offended a lot of people," NeSmith said.

And he's also grown close to some of the animals, especially those he's spent months nursing back to health.

Mary Lybrand of Midland adopted a Pekingese dog named Gigi for her mother, Dorothy Lybrand. The dog had its eye ripped out by a larger dog.

Mary Lybrand said the shelters in Midland feature mainly large dogs, so it's nice to have a place where she could find a "lap dog" for her mother.

"Her and mom bonded instantly," Lybrand said. "Now she's best of friends with my little boxer."

Lybrand appreciates people like NeSmith.

"He was great help in getting us the dog," she said.

NeSmith said the facility's come a long way since he took over the Humane Society's old location on West County Road that could only hold 30 dogs.

He helped lead the shelter through its move to 7012 Mockingbird Lane in 2000, but it wasn't easy. He said the abandoned grooming and boarding facility was a dumping ground for area residents.

Since then, the facility has been upgraded with a new septic system, a new facility for cats and enclosed "run" areas.

Still, the Humane Society is looking to expand. NeSmith said he'd like to have a larger building, with better space for prospective owners to view animals and for each dog to have indoor and outdoor areas.

But that will take more money, something the Humane Society raises with annual Spaghetti Suppers and Barn Dances, plus regular adoptathons.

Whatever happens, Aguirre said don't be surprised to see NeSmith hang around another 10 years.

"We're going to have to wheel him out of here one of these days," she said.

WANT TO HELP?

>> The Humane Society of Odessa accepts donations at 381-5503 or by mail at 7012 Mockingbird Lane; Odessa, TX 79763.

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