​Our Mission

 

The mission of the Marathon Animal Shelter (MAS) is to provide shelter to stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals, with the purpose of finding permanent, loving, forever homes.

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We work with the local community and other area shelters to develop a network of supporters and volunteers in order to create a better world for homeless pets.

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We are a small, volunteer-run shelter in the rural town of Marathon, Texas.  All of our animals are fully vetted (vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip, etc.) before adoption. 

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​Our Story

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For as long as Della "DJ" Hensley, the founder of Marathon Animal Shelter, can remember animals have been drawn to her.  And she has been drawn to animals!  Starting in the early 1980s, DJ worked for various shelters and vet offices, building on her compassion for and knowledge of companion animals.  After moving to the remote West Texas town of Marathon in 1996, DJ quickly became the community contact for people needing help with their pets.  With no town veterinarian or animal control officer, people began reaching out to DJ for all of their animal needs.  She never said no.  Starting in 2007, she began opening up her home to animals in need and served as a foster home for nearly a decade.  In 2017, when some county animals needed a place to go and no area municipal shelters could help, DJ decided to start a private rescue, the Marathon Animal Shelter.  Now, this 501(c)3 nonprofit provides care to over 150 animals a year!

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