Quitman Paws & Play visits BCMS (a local animal control facility)

Quitman—In February 2023, the newly establishment of Quitman Paws & Play Animal Facility took time to visit Brooks County Middle School after hours ECHOES students. Cyndi Johnson and Courtney Williams brought along four puppies, a pot belly pig, and a young dog. 

Students’ enthusiasm was contagious for those around, including the dog who happily went from one student to another wanting those loving pats on the head. Johnson, the director of Quitman Paws & Play introduced the students to the puppies, explaining their age and where they were found. She also explained to the students how the program worked for each dog. “We have to foster most of the dogs because our facility will only hold a few. The puppies cannot go to foster care until they have had their shots and are at the age of six weeks.” 

As Johnson continued to explain the process and how their parents and the community can help, students began to raise their hands in anticipation of asking questions. Johnson complied by calling on one student at a time. 

“What made you start with this job?” asked one student. “I began this job by accident really,” said Johnson, “I was tricked into taking the job. Although I was tricked, I am so happy they did that, I love my job!” 

“How long have you been with this job?” asked another student. “I have been working with them for a little over a year now,” replied Johnson. 

“How long does it take for a dog to have puppies?” said another student. Johnson looked over to Jarvis for confirmation and Jarvis answered, “It takes about 60 days usually but that is not always the case.” 

More questions and answers rang throughout the room. Questions pertaining to the puppies, the dog, the pig, and of course the facility. Jarvis told the students the story on how they received the pig, “I had to catch it,” she said, laughing slightly. 

Once the questions were complete, Johnson and Jarvis allowed some of the students to help them take the animals to the van for their departure. 

ECHOES students will begin working on a writing for this event and what their experience was with the interview in the coming weeks. Those stories will be featured as an update for subscribers when they are completed on BC News and Stories, LLC. 



About the Facility

Quitman Paw and Play Facility is a refuge for lost dogs in the Brooks County community. The facility has a no kill policy and therefore depends on community volunteers and donations to help the dogs. The facility is also a nonprofit, so all the care givers are volunteers. The facility opened in October of 2022. 

 If you would like to know more or keep up with what dogs may go through you can find them on Facebook at Quitman Paws & Play. Their facility is located at 201 Essie Dr. Quitman, GA. You may contact them by phone at (314) 724-2199 or email them at quitmanpawsandplay@yahoo.com.