Photo by Mike Brothers
Moultrie County Animal Control Warden Sam Donaker (left) and Animal Control Ambassador Ruby retired at the first of the year. New Animal Control Warden Moultrie County Deputy Caleb Smith (right) presented Donaker with a certificate of appreciation for his dedicated service as Animal Control Warden. Facility director Betsy Miller (center) presented Ruby with her favorite “Pupperoni” treat for serving as Sam’s companion and animal control ambassador.

•January 8, 2020•
By Mighty Manfred
for The News Progress

There is a new warden in Moultrie County.
Animal Control Warden Sam Donaker and his trusty sidekick, Ruby retired from full time duties in Moultrie County January 1, 2020.
Deputy Caleb Smith is the new Animal Control Warden and Emergency Services and Disaster Agency director with offices at the Animal Control Shelter.
Sam and Ruby’s retirement was recognized last week with shelter pet facilitator Betsy Miller and Smith presenting the pair with a certificate of appreciation and Pupperoni Treats.
Sam passed on the treats, but Ruby did not.
Deputy Smith noted Donaker’s love of animals and Ruby’s instinct for matching good owners with pets had helped make Moultrie County Animal Control successful.
“Sam and Ruby have done a great job of taking care of the shelter,” Smith said, explaining he looks forward to their occasional visits.
While Donaker was warden Bekki Stevens started a Facebook page which was utilized along with local pet adoption groups to keep the population of dogs and cats at a minimum in Moultrie County.
With a capacity for up to ten dogs, there were only two awaiting adoption when Donaker and Ruby arrived.
Sam indicated he was happy to turn over the reigns to Deputy Smith, but explained that Ruby would require periodic visits to make sure things are going the way they should be.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.