Animal shelter in New Brunswick closes after 18 years

Kent County Animal Shelter to close The founder of Kent County Animal Shelter has helped save and rehome hundred of animals over the last 18 years.

Nicole Thebeau was inspired to pursue her life’s work when she helped a kitten in need.

“I didn’t have the money but my friend offered to pay for the vet and she paid the full bill and I took the cat in and rehomed him.” Trebeau said. “And that night I sat at home thinking, ‘maybe I can do this.’”

Thebeau’s act of kindness grew into a full-blown rescue. She said it came together fast.

“I know at the beginning on some of the rescues I had no idea what I was doing. I just ran out there to help them and do the best I could.”

Now, after 18 years, Thebeau is closing the Kent County Animal Rescue in Richibucto, N.B., to focus on family, but she said she will be taking animals on a case-by-case basis.

“I can shut down the rescue but I can’t shut down my heart,” Thebeau said.

Kristen Taylor is a canine nutritionist and dog boarder. She said closing the shelter leaves a hole in the community.

“She was our go-to, everyone’s go-to if there was an animal that needed help,” Taylor said.

Unfortunately, Thebeau’s efforts came at a high cost. Kent County Animal Rescue owes more than $10,000 in outstanding vet bills. Thebeau is turning to the community for help with those expenses. She’s raised money through the shelter’s social media in the past, but she said it’s never quite enough.

“There’s always that little bit left and it keeps adding.”

Thebeau said when she considers the lives she’s saved, it was worth every penny.

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