Editor’s note: “10 Questions” is a weekly series in which a prominent person in the Iowa State and Ames communities is interviewed. To suggest someone for an interview, submit an e-mail request to [email protected]. This week’s interview is with Lorna Lavender, director of the Ames Animal Shelter and Control, 325 Billy Sunday Road.

What do you do as director of the Ames Shelter and Control?

I stay busy keeping up with day-to-day activities and the function of the Ames shelter. I also oversee all operations and assist citizens’ requests.

What types of animals are brought in and who are they brought in by?

Cats and dogs are the most typical animals brought in. And people under the age of 60 bring them in.

What is the common reason why the animals are brought in?

People bring them in either because pets aren’t allowed where they live or the animal is not right for the family. For example, when a woman has a baby, the animal doesn’t receive enough affection.

What kind of care does the shelter give?

The shelter attends the animals’ daily needs, including food, water, sanitation. This process usually takes four to five hours a day or longer.

Have you ever had any major problems with the animals?

All kinds of problems. Everything from being called in during an animal crisis, aggressive animal attacks, cattle truck turnovers, snakes at large and sick wildlife.

What happens when someone wants to adopt an animal?

They check out the animal, play with it, fill out an application, and if we approve it, they can take the animal home the next day. But we do deny adoption to those, obviously, who won’t care for the veterinary needs.

Do you check up on the animals after they have been adopted?

Not usually, because we don’t have time. We’re very busy. But sometimes we do through surveys. We get mostly positive feedback from the adopters.

How did you get started in the Ames Animal Shelter?

I started out volunteering, and I got to know a lot people. I then worked part time, and when I had enough experience, I was offered a full-time job … and I began to learn what I could through workshops. I also attended an academy in Alabama about the law enforcement aspect of animals, involving sheltering animals without adequate health care. I knew the position was meant for me.

Do you have vet-med students from Iowa State working here?

We’ll have one intern this summer through an Honors Program. There are three full-time and three part-time people here on staff.

Do you have any pets, and what is your favorite animal?

I have four adopted pets from the shelter — three cats, a dog, three birds and fish. Every time someone asks me what my favorite animal is, I really can’t put my finger on one. I get a collage of all the different animals in my mind over all the years, but I really like cats and dogs.