Tuscarawas County Dog Pound Warden Terry Warner retires

By Mitch Spinell

NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio - Last Friday saw the Tuscarawas County Dog Pound celebrate the retirement of Warden Terry Warner, who is stepping down after over a quarter-century with the shelter.

Warner sat down to talk about his retirement from a position he has held since 2016. He started by explaining his arrival to the pound in 1995, through late County Administrator John Wysocki.

"I talked to [John] about it, and he said the job was mine if I wanted it. I thought about it, and I said, 'Yeah, I'll accept it.' That's how I stepped in the door in 1995."Warner will be succeeded by Assistant Warden Ken Griffith, who will take the position and be succeeded by Hayden Keffer in the assistant position.

"We've got an excellent working group at this time," said Warner. "When I walk out the door today, I know the place is going to be ran and kept clean, and the canines are going to be cared for."

Warner also went into some of his experiences at the pound, whose partner organization, the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, was first opened in 1977.

"I've had dogs that wanted to bite me end up giving me a kiss on the cheek. They're scared, they don't know who I am. It's a challenge, but you just have to be a dedicated person to hold any position at this facility."

According to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.5 million pets are sheltered each year - with 3.3 million of them being dogs.

"This is why every county [in Ohio] has a dog pound," said Warner. "There [are] unfortunate reasons why a person has to get rid of the canine. Maybe they're moving, and they can't take their dog with them. A family member, somebody's passed away and [there's no way to care for them]. This is why we're here."

When asked about his plans for retirement, Warner responded with a chuckle: "I'm just going to kind of take it easy, but I am going to still care for canines, and I'm always going to keep my eyes open.

"I'm always going to be looking and watching."