A stray cat, upset supporters and a locked door: Washougal animal shelter makes changes after criticism

WASHOUGAL — The West Columbia Gorge Humane Society in Washougal is changing some of its procedures after fielding criticism from some benefactors.

The saga started in mid-June, when longtime animal shelter supporters John and Janice Boyer of Portland traveled to Washougal to drop off a check for the animal shelter.

The Boyers, who have donated to the Washougal animal shelter since 2012, said they were puzzled when they discovered the shelter’s doors, 2675 Index St., Washougal, were locked during posted business hours.

Before leaving, the Boyers encountered another confused shelter visitor in the parking lot. They said a woman driving a white SUV, holding a cat carrier approached Janice, saying she and her partner had called the Washougal animal shelter earlier that morning, but no one