Tuscola woman donates bow ties to animal shelter in Abilene

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A woman in Abilene who loves animals brought bow ties for pets at All Kind Animal Initiative.

Karen Mast, who was a stockbroker for 25 years and is now retired, has used August, which is known as Clear the Shelter month, to bring bow ties that she purchased for the animal shelter. Mast shared that she thought she could do something to bring more attention to the shelter and get more dogs adopted, since she said that looking sharp opens doors.

What connects Mast to animals is the years she has dedicated to working with them.

“I grew up with them since I was a kid, and we’re all they have. I’m just trying to give some a chance to find a home,” Mast said.

Mast ordered around 200 — some for kittens, and some for small and big dogs. She also added that making these animals look sharp would not just bring attention to the pets but also to the shelter, as she hopes it increases the opportunities for animals to find a new home.

Mast also shared that she ordered these ties several years ago for Christmas time, and she said that people would look at the dogs longer, and it helped a lot in getting them adopted.

“They used them for years, and they said it really helped. People looked at the dogs longer, and it just helped,” said Mast.

Bow ties aren’t the only things she brings to the shelter. Mast shared other items she also brings.

“I bring treats and I’ve donated dog food, and there are lots of things that people can do, but the main thing is trying to find them homes,” said Mast.

Fostering animals briefly was also part of Mast’s work for animals, as she recalls from her student days.

“I remember being at Tech as a student, and I would go to the animal shelter, and I didn’t really have a place to keep them, but I found a way to foster them for a little bit, give them a bath, spiff them up. I rescued a couple of beagles, Lonnie and Ronnie, and I found them a home the next day,” Mast said.

Mast said that she’s been helping animals for much longer than 20 years — estimating around 50 years — and shared how rewarding it is.

“It’s just rewarding, mostly to the animals, to try to find a home, but for the people who adopt them, they do become best friends. They’re my best friends. I have 10 at home, and I live in the country, so I have room for them,” said Mast.

Mast then shared what it means to contribute to pets in shelters.

“They can be great friends, and I know that’s an old saying, your best friend, but that’s what they become over time. They count on us. I’ve got some that are my very, very best friends right in Tuscola,” said Mast.

Mast hopes for involvement from people, and she also said that the lack of spaying and neutering is the reason why there are over 200 animals in the shelter. That, she said, is part of the responsibility of having a new animal — and one of the very first things owners should do.

Kelly McCoy, who’s the Executive Director of All Kind Animal Initiative, shared how grateful she was for Mast giving out the bowties and ties.

“I think that’s wonderful. We have so many great dogs here, and sometimes they get overlooked because there are just sheer numbers. So anything we can do to draw attention to those animals, to maybe make a shout out on social media or to involve the community in getting animals adopted — we’re always happy to do that, and we love that she thought of the animals here at All Kind,” McCoy said.