April 14, 2025 - The Center Woman’s Reading Club met for its bimonthly meeting Match 20. Stephanie Elswick served as both program leader and program hostess. She served a wonderful homemade with love luncheon that was enjoyed by all.
Following the business meeting, Mrs. Elswick gave a moving and inspirational report on a non-fiction book titled 'Best Friends' that she read first when she was 61 years of age. She said the book both inspired her and changed her life’s direction .
'Best Friends' written by Samantha Glen is the true story about how he along with five other volunteers founded the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. The no-kill animal sanctuary houses approximately 1,100 animal and birds. The sanctuary has dedicated areas for a variety of animals including Horse Haven, Marshall’s Piggy Paradise, Bunny House, Parrots Garden, and Wild Friends that houses wild animals until they are ready to be turned back into their natural habitats. No animal is turned away. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is located in Utah.
After reading the book, Mrs. Elswick said it was a visit to Best Friends that inspired her to found Happy Tails Adoption Center now located at 667 Texas Highway 7 in Center, Texas. At Best Friends, Mrs. Elswick received training and certification to operate an animal rescue and adoption program. She and her husband Mike Elswick along with founding board members of Happy Tails wanted to give back to their community in a needed and meaningful way resulting in providing an animal rescue and adoption center that is greatly needed in this area. The report was informative and inspirational at the same time. What Mrs. Elswick, founders, volunteers and financial supporters have accomplished is proof that when a need is determined it can result in an action plan that has provided a place where many “ happy tails are wagging” as a result of all those who gave of their time and money to make this dream come true and to provide comfort, care and new happy homes through adoption for needed animals.
The program was greatly enjoyed by club members and they thanked Mrs. Elswick not only for her book report but also for all the work she does in our community.
Article submitted by Mary Lynn Tinkle
