When somebody walks through the gate at Texas A&M’s Stevenson Animal Companion Life Care Center, they are greeted by the whiskers and snouts of the center’s most warm and inviting residents. From the smallest rabbit to A&M’s very own Miss Reveille IX, The Stevenson Center has a simple goal: to offer peace of mind for those who lack a reliable caretaker for their beloved pets when they can no longer provide the care themselves.
Thirty-five animals are currently residents of the Stevenson Animal Center, including 12 dogs, 19 cats, three rabbits, two donkeys and a bird. All the residents receive everyday care from a dedicated staff.
At the heart of their team is Ellie Greenbaum, associate director of the Stevenson Animal Center. With over 26 years of experience, Greenbaum has been a key part of the Stevenson Center’s growth and success, making sure that each resident receives the personalized care and attention they deserve.
“What makes the Stevenson Center truly unique is that it’s not just a facility — the residents live in the center like they would at home,” Greenbaum said. “That’s what we meant for them to be. They’re not caged; they’re just living their life, living a good life.”
The center was founded in 1993 at the suggestion of Dr. E. W. Ellett, who wanted a place for animals to reside in a home-like environment while benefiting the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The opening of the center wouldn’t have been possible without the support and donations of the
Luse Foundation and the center’s namesake, Madlin Stevenson. Stevenson donated over half of the funds required to open the center. After her passing in September of 2000, she left her nine dogs, four cats, pony and llama in the care of the center.
The Stevenson Center operates as a self-sustaining facility, relying on private endowments and donations to provide care for its residents. All of the housekeeping and animal care is done by the staff on the facility grounds, with help from the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
“If you have the right staff, everything goes right,” Greenbaum said. “Everybody knows what our mission is. Everybody loves these animals, loves what we do … it just keeps on evolving. It just keeps on getting better and better. With each addition, we learn more.”
As members of the staff, each individual at the Stevenson Center is fully committed to the wellbeing of their animals. The center has a resident staff that consists of four veterinary students, meaning that any animals at the center are supervised 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The animals in the Stevenson Center aren’t simply taken care of; they’re cherished by everyone around them. For Dr. Sam Miller, who has served as the Stevenson Center’s director for the past three years, it is an utmost honor to serve the animal residents.
“It’s a privilege to lead a place where the love for animals drives everything we do,” Miller said. “We don’t just provide shelter; we provide a home. Every animal here receives the same attention and care they would if their owner were still with them.”
Miller was a practicing veterinarian before he came to A&M, with 32 years of experience counseling pet owners.
“One of the things that the pet owners really want to know is, ‘What are my options if I should pass before my pet?’” Miller said. “That’s what makes this place really stand out. It provides that comfort, that peace of mind for owners as they get older and they start to consider what they’re going to do with their estate. Their pets become a big part of that.”
The Stevenson Center gives people the opportunity to plan ahead for their pets. Miller said as soon as they are enrolled and the endowment is paid, the animals are guaranteed an exceptional standard of care for the rest of their lives.
“I think a lot of this highlights the value that people place on their animals these days,” Miller said. “You know, 60 years ago, this was unheard of.”
According to Greenbaum, the Stevenson Center is part of what makes A&M’s veterinary medicine program unique. The amount of commitment and dedication that every member of the staff puts into ensuring the animal residents will be living their lives in comfort, even away from their owners, is beyond compare.
“We feel very privileged to have this bestowed upon us, the ability to do this for people,” Greenbaum said. “It’s not just about caring for animals — it’s about giving peace of mind and ensuring these pets live their best life in a loving environment.”
