Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Featured Image: Cassie Griesheimer is the director of the new Jefferson County Animal Services Department. She is pictured with Bulldozer, one of JCAS's dogs who was adopted after much adversity.
Jefferson County Animal Services (JCAS) is young but flourishing. Formed only months ago as the county's newest department after separating from the Solid Waste & Recycling department, JCAS is currently caring for 37 dogs and puppies. Cassie Griesheimer is the department's director, and this month, she has a special mission.
Piper is looking for her forever family. She is a playful one-year-old chihuahua mix who gets along well with other dogs. She has been spayed and is up-to-date on her vaccinations.
May 20 is National Rescue Dog Day. This event raises awareness for the about 1.4 million dogs nationwide waiting for their forever homes from shelters and rescues. This National Dog Day, Griesheimer is hoping that some of JCAS' dogs will find their families at last.
Griesheimer has been a Jefferson County resident for about 15 years. She has years of experience working with animals, having previously served as a veterinary technician and kennel technician at veterinary hospitals, in addition to in other roles such as grooming and reception. Prior to becoming JCAS's new director, she was an educator for students with disabilities. She earned an associate's degree from Tallahassee State College (formerly Tallahassee Community College) and bachelor's degree in education from Flagler College, teaching thereafter at several schools across the state.
Though her job as an educator kept her busy, she also found the time to regularly volunteer for the county's animal shelter from 2024 until she decided to apply for the newly-opened Director position earlier this year. Now, moved by a desire to spark positive change in the community, she's helping the animals she loves around the clock. As a certified animal control officer and Director of JCAS, Griesheimer describes her mission as “to do everything in my power to provide the animals in our facility with loving care, and then a loving home.”
Waylon is looking for his forever family. He's two years old and gets along well with other dogs. Though it may take a little time for him to overcome his shyness, he has a playful and affectionate personality. He has been neutered and is up-to-date on his vaccinations.
Nearly 40 canines are currently in their care. Many of them were formerly aggressive, emaciated or otherwise in distress. JCAS helps the dogs regain their health with medical treatment if necessary, get vaccinations and be spayed or neutered; since only April 1, Griesheimer has already helped 30 local dogs and cats be spayed and neutered. In-house heartworm tests, administration of medications and dewormers and performing select vaccinations have saved the county over $800 so far.
The animals' health and comfort is a major priority. The goal that drives it is to help them find their forever families. Just as important as physical care, the dogs are also socialized, and their personalities are observed and noted, so that JCAS can seek potential adopters that would well suit the dogs' temperament and needs and vice versa.
“A lot of the challenges that come with it really just involve knowledge, like educating people about spay and neuter vouchers and programs that can help their dogs get vaccinated and healthy,” says Griesheimer. “It's challenging getting that information out into the public. We also see a lot of litters this time of year. There's lots of puppies, unwanted dogs and malnourished dogs that we pick up out in the county. We have to try to get them healthy again and find them good, loving homes, which can be a challenge because we are a small rural community. We have to call rescues and organizations outside of our community to try to get them exposure.”
Meatball is looking for his forever family. This eight-year-old good-natured dog “still has some spunk,” according to Director Griesheimer. He has been neutered and is up-to-date on his vaccinations.
The community might also not be aware of the services they provide, such as when they assist owners in reuniting with their pets.
“When people's dogs get lost, not everyone knows that we're here, but we are,” comments Griesheimer. “When we bring in dogs, we put them out on social media to see if we can find the owner. I've also started making old-school flyers which I laminate and put on posts and whatnot. I really want to get the word out that we're here, and if you lose a dog, make sure you check with us.”
JCAS appreciates any support, whether that's monetary or by purchasing essential items on their Amazon wishlist, such as dog food. Griesheimer has a small official staff, consisting of only her and Animal Control Officer Roy Jones. Though the duo makes a great team, volunteer assistance is also appreciated. Community support has already proved to be a lifeline during emergencies.
“When we get donations, we're able to save money for cases where we get a dog that needs
Ranger is looking for his forever family. This three-year-old dog is great with kids and loves his teddy bear. He has been neutered and is up-to-date on his vaccinations.
immediate medical attention,” explains Griesheimer. “Just about a month ago, we had a little puppy that had been hit by a car. He had three broken legs, his pelvis was messed up and he needed a lot of medical attention. Luckily, I've got some really amazing volunteers who have helped me out with getting dogs out on social media, calling rescues, transporting dogs. Because of them, we were able to get that dog into a rescue group over in Jacksonville, where they have an orthopedic surgeon, and he's getting the proper care that he needs.”
All this effort culminates when a dog is finally adopted. The goal is always to find them a new, loving and dedicated family—and you can be a part of this process. If you are interested in a canine friend joining your circle of loved ones, or you would simply like to view the dogs, Griesheimer encourages you to reach out. Call 850-342-0184, email cgriesheimer@jeffersoncountyfl.gov, or simply stop by 1697 S. Jefferson St. to say hello.
Roy Jones, pictured, is a new animal control officer for JCAS. Griesheimer says that they make a great team as staff members.